US Ambassador in Cyprus Judith Garber delivered Thursday 21 specialised breathing masks for firefighters during a ceremony at the fire service headquarters in Nicosia.

The embassy said that, to both commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and honour the first responders of Cyprus, it has raised funds to purchase 21 full face, single filter Advantage firefighting masks for the Cyprus Fire Service.

“From the entire US Embassy community, thank you to the brave men and women of the Cyprus Fire Service!” the embassy said in a post on social media.

During the ceremony, during which Justice Minister Stephie Dracou was also present, Fire Service Chief Polyvios Hadjivassiliou referred to the lasting cooperation between Cyprus’ fire service and the United States. He said officers of the fire service, himself included, followed educational and training programmes in the US. He also said that the US delivered to the fire service years ago, a mass decontamination unit to be used in case of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

Hadjivassiliou also referred to the cooperation between Cyprus and the US on terrorism attacks in the context of CYCLOPS (Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security ), in which the fire service participates.
“By delivering these portable breathing masks, you can be sure that the US contributes to the safety of our firefighters and at the same time to the safety of Cyprus’ public in general”, he said.

Garber said that they’re very proud of the very long and excellent collaboration between the United States and the fire service in Cyprus and that they are very proud to be continuing as they look ahead to the opening of the CYCLOPS regional centre.

“It is really my honour and privilege to deliver the specialised firefighting facemasks to your service today,” she said. Garber said that this was made possible by the generous donations of the US Embassy in Cyprus, other members of the diplomatic community, the President of the House of Representatives in Cyprus, and others.

Honouring the memory of the first responders during 9/11, the ambassador said that “we can never fully repay their sacrifice and we remain inspired of their selfless actions on that tragic day”. She added that twenty years later they witnessed the same courage here in Cyprus. She noted that as last summer’s devastating wildfires threatened lives and livelihoods across the island, the Cyprus Fire Service answered that most extraordinary call to service both here and abroad.

“You confront the danger with determination rising to every occasion to protect thousand of men, women and children. Because of your tireless efforts more than 4,000 fires were extinguished last year alone in Cyprus. Because of your bravery we are all safer”, she added.

She also expressed the hope that the specialised firefighting facemasks will assist them in their daily work expressing her appreciation and gratitude for all that the firefighters do every day to protect the public.

Hadjivassiliou congratulated the ambassador and the US embassy for the well-organised event that took place last September in memory of thousands of American people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He said that 343 firefighters lost their lives attempting to secure people’s lives and properties.

Dracou praised last September’s event organised by the US Embassy to honour the memory of the victims of 9/11 and said that the voluntary donation led to purchasing of very useful equipment that will help the Cyprus Fire Service in its duties. She added that this gesture had also a symbolic nature as it represents the strong bond between the two countries and the common dedication to shared values and beliefs.