Gonçalo Lopes was sworn in on September 11 as commander of the Active Corps of the Voluntary Firefighters of Arraiolos, succeeding Hugo Pontes, who passed away in June from sudden illness, leaving a legacy deeply connected to the corporation and the community. The ceremony was marked by emotion and the constant presence of Hugo Pontes' memory.
The new commander, who first put on the uniform at age five and has accumulated 30 years of dedication to the fire department, described the moment as a "bittersweet" feeling, acknowledging the need to look toward the future without forgetting the past. Gonçalo Lopes assumes command aware of the responsibility to honor a legacy that belongs to the entire corporation.
Among the priorities of the new command is the construction of the Training Unit, with inauguration scheduled for January 3, which will bear Hugo Pontes' name as a tribute. The recruitment of young people and the improvement of infrastructure and conditions for the firefighters are also part of the defined goals.
Gonçalo Lopes recognizes in the men and women of the corporation the main pillar for facing the challenges ahead, highlighting the availability and commitment of those who daily are ready to respond when the community needs them most. The future of the Arraiolos Firefighters is now beginning to be written, with the mission to continue serving without forgetting those who departed.
