Seven volunteers of the SupportCY Volunteer Corps of the Bank of Cyprus (BOC) recently participated in intensive practical and theoretical training on agroforestry fires, led by EMODE, the First Special Forestry Operations Unit of the Fire Brigade of Greece, at the Civil Protection Academy and Kytheronas, in Attica.
The training took place over March 27-29, 2025 and is part of the SupportCY Volunteer Corps’ strategy to continuously upgrade its operational capabilities and effectiveness in support of government services in emergency situations. The training included theoretical and practical training in responding to agroforestry fires, with the installation of water pipes, fire zone creation, infrastructure development for fire response, principles of personnel safety in fires, and so on.
In view of a very difficult fire season, training and preparation is at its maximum for SupportCY. In addition to equipment, insurance for its volunteers, personal protection equipment, the training comes to complete a cycle of training that began last October.
EMODE is one of the most specialised units of the Fire Brigade of Greece, with a mission of rapid and airborne intervention in agroforestry fires, supporting difficult operations in mountainous fields and conducting operations in critical conditions.
“Preparing to respond to agroforestry fires requires knowledge, physical endurance, composure and coordination,” said Marios Stavrou, Head of the Bank of Cyprus SupportCY Volunteer Corps. “Once again, we had the great honour of participating in the EMODE training, with the participation of another group of seven people from our Volunteer Corps.
“This training brought us closer to the realities of the field and highlighted the need for continued training and collaboration. Our volunteers returned to Cyprus stronger, more prepared and with an even greater sense of responsibility. Warm thanks to the Commander and staff of the first EMODE, as well as to the Fire Brigade of Greece for the hospitality and training.
“Once again, I believe that our operational readiness as SupportCY of the Bank of Cyprus is at the highest possible level, to lend support, if and when needed, to the relevant governmental services in fire prevention, response and restoration.”
SupportCY Volunteer Corps’ mission once again received the support of Greek organisation “The Smile of the Child”, with Aegean Airlines as official Air Transport Sponsor.