by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Caterina De Gavardo, Trieste councilor for safety
The city of Trieste has formalized a new operational protocol designed to improve coordination between firefighters and municipal civil protection volunteers during severe weather events, aiming to streamline emergency responses and reduce overlap in interventions.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday between the city and the provincial fire command, outlines procedures to be activated when the number of pending calls exceeds 30. At that point, firefighters will request support from the municipal civil protection volunteers, who will be assigned tasks deemed appropriate for their training and equipment. The system is intended to ensure that firefighters can focus on the most complex and urgent emergencies, while volunteers respond to less critical but still pressing situations.
Mayor Roberto Dipiazza described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening the city’s capacity to respond effectively in times of crisis. “The dedication of firefighters and civil protection volunteers, who give their time freely and without compensation, is a precious resource for the whole community,” he said.
The protocol builds on collaboration that has already taken place informally in past emergencies. City security councillor Caterina de Gavardo noted that a severe storm on September 2 had prompted a spontaneous application of the procedures now codified. Volunteers were mobilized alongside firefighters to clear flooded garages and assist residents. “This protocol strengthens an existing synergy to ensure more timely, effective and safe responses for citizens,” she said.
Fire commander Alberto Maiolo emphasized that the initiative was designed to prevent operational overlaps that can occur when multiple emergency centers receive calls simultaneously. “This protocol allows us to manage requests more effectively, set priorities, and provide coordinated responses in the interest of the community,” he said.
The agreement also drew support from the local police and volunteer coordinators. Deputy police commander Paolo Jerman said the plan offered “simple but effective guidelines” to better allocate resources, while Milvia Chersi, who leads the volunteer corps, underscored the group’s mission of supporting institutions “especially when they are under pressure.”
Officials described the initiative as an example of how local institutions and community organizations can work together within the framework of subsidiarity, a principle enshrined in the Italian Constitution that encourages shared responsibility between different levels of government and society.
