In the premises of the City Administration, the Mayor of Kaštela, Denis Ivanović, and his associates organized a reception and socializing with representatives of emergency services operating in the city. The reception was also attended by the heads of city administrative departments and representatives of the firefighters, police, emergency medical services, the Red Cross, Civil Protection, and the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service. The meeting was an opportunity to confirm the good and continuous cooperation between the City and emergency services, as well as to exchange experiences and send holiday greetings ahead of the upcoming holidays.
Mayor Ivanović pointed out that this Christmas reception was introduced last year with the aim of thanking the services that, as he emphasized, are among the most important in the Kaštela area and with which the City has an exceptionally good daily cooperation. "This is an opportunity to thank them for everything they do for our citizens, to exchange experiences, possible problems and to wish them peaceful holidays and a successful 2026," said Ivanović.
Deputy Mayor and Head of the Civil Protection Headquarters Antonio Budimir emphasized that the City of Kaštela has very good cooperation with all emergency services included in the civil protection system. Although there were no major emergencies in the past period, numerous trainings and preparations were carried out, and additional joint exercises and activities are planned for early 2026. "We hope for a peaceful year, but the system is ready to respond to all possible challenges," said Budimir.
The President of the Fire Department of the City of Kaštela, Tomislav Vidić, looked back on the past year, which he described as successful. He especially thanked the City for its support and the purchase of three new forest fire engines, which have already been used in numerous interventions. He also emphasized the importance of working with young people through firefighting competitions and the strong engagement of volunteer firefighters. Finally, he sent holiday greetings to the citizens, wishing for as few interventions as possible in the new year.
The President of the Kaštela City Red Cross Society, Mirna Puljak, thanked the City for the invitation and pointed out that the past year was marked by fires and floods, which were successfully remedied, thanks to good cooperation with all emergency services. She wished everyone a pleasant and peaceful holiday.
The Deputy Chief and Head of the Kaštela branch, Grgo Puljas, spoke about the work of the Croatian Fire and Rescue Service, emphasizing that 2025 was a successful year, with numerous search and rescue operations in the Kaštela, Kozjak and wider operational area. He emphasized the importance of continuous training and strengthening human capacities and recalled the experience of the Croatian Fire and Rescue Service in large-scale operations, from the floods in Slavonia to the earthquake in Petrinja. He told citizens not to hesitate to call for help by dialing 112 if necessary.
The Chief of the Kaštela Police Station, Neno Gudelj, assessed the security situation as stable, with no major fluctuations in the number of criminal acts and no serious forms of crime. He particularly appealed to citizens, and primarily parents, to be careful about the use of pyrotechnics ahead of the holidays, highlighting the dangers and serious consequences that firecrackers can have, especially on children.
The head of the Kaštel Stari Emergency Medical Service branch, Dr. Antonija Žanić, emphasized that the year is always busy for emergency workers, but that they are always available to the citizens of Kaštel. She thanked the City for its understanding and support and sent a holiday greeting to all fellow citizens.
The reception concluded in an atmosphere of gratitude, togetherness, and with messages of cooperation, readiness, and the wish that the coming year will be as peaceful as possible for all citizens of Kaštela.
Photo: Town of Kaštela
