The former chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (SFRS) Development and International Co-operation Administration, major Rudolph Azen has been appointed as deputy chief of SFRS from tuesday, June 3. He will be tasked with issues affecting SFRS staff, strategic development and international cooperation.
SFRS Deputy Chief R. Azen emphasizes: 'In order to meet the various security challenges effectively, the SFRS must be provided not only with a material and well-developed infrastructure, but also with professional, cohesive and motivated workers. With regard to staff development, professional development, well-being and emotional resilience, we will receive in return loyal workers who, by standing side by side, will not only be able to successfully manage crises and adapt to change, but will also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the service. That's why my top priority - let every worker see their role in the SFRS mission and feel their opportunities for development in the service'.
As the goes along with time, one of the key operational priorities of the new deputy chief of SFRS will be to digitise training to make the acquisition of new knowledge more accessible to staff. Questions regarding implementation of international cooperation of the SFRS and projects of various European Union funds will not remain on the agenda of the deputy chief of the SFRS in order to continue to attract additional resources and introduce innovations to the SFRS, while employees of the SFRS will be given opportunities to gain new experience, ideas and growth.
R. Azen has graduated with higher education in geology, fire safety and civil defense. Currently, he continues to supplement his knowledge by studying in the Master's study Programme of the Internal Security Academy “Management of Law enforcement, Criminal execution and Rescue services”.
The new deputy chief of the SFRS started in 2011 in the Development and International Cooperation Administration, but became chief of that administration in 2021. He has long-standing experience and expertise in project implementation, including in various European Union funding programmes.
