The Labor Code is not currently in force. Sometimes they work around the clock – they eat, rest or sleep when the situation is under control or when someone has to replace them. Policemen, firefighters and soldiers give everything they have to save the lives, health and property of flood victims. The time for medals and awards will come, but there can never be too many thanks.
Day and night on the front line. Firefighters, rescuers, policemen, soldiers. Professionals and volunteers.
– I don't expect to go to bed today – replies junior cadet Kamil Kędzierski from the State Fire Service in Nysa when asked what time he plans to go to bed.
– We haven't slept for six days. We've been fighting all the time – says Maciej Such from the Volunteer Fire Department in Stronie Śląskie.
They quit their jobs, took vacations, and are
– We have guys here who came all the way from Sosnowiec, from the fire department. They are pumping out water right now – we hear.
350 kilometers firefighters from Sosnowiec drove to Żelazno near Kłodzko. They quit their jobs, took vacations, and here they are.
– You know, a volunteer fire department is a volunteer fire department. Each of us has made a decision that we want to be a firefighter, to act, and we act, right? That's what this whole fantasy is about – comments Wawrzyniec Grzegórzko from the Volunteer Fire Department in Sosnowiec-Cieślach.
Now firefighters are helping to clean up the devastated town.
– The beautiful thing is that the local community of these residents are amazing people. They care about us very much, for which we are incredibly grateful. And in return we give our work – says Adrian Chmielewski from the Volunteer Fire Department in Sosnowiec-Cieślach.
The inhabitants of the rescued towns also express their gratitude with small gestures.
– There was a message on our neighborhood group to bring tea and coffee for the boys. So we made coffee, tea with our neighbors. We brought it for them and they are still working – says one of the residents of the towns affected by the flood.
In Rybnik, firefighters returning from operations were treated to a free kebab. At the company's expense!
– It occurred to me, Godom: we need to help these peasants too, because when we saw how they really were, as I call it, in that wet hell, how they were brewing there, it really broke my heart – says Seweryn Dutka from Sewcio Kebab & Pizza in Rybnik.
Heroes have the right to be tired
It's still heartbreaking – especially since many firefighters who tirelessly provide help also need help.
– My cars have flown. The block, it is not known whether it will not be demolished – says Maciej Such from the Volunteer Fire Department Stronie Śląskie.
– We are a bit tired. But we are definitely not giving up – emphasizes Mateusz Kmiecik from the Volunteer Fire Department in Odolanów.
The lieutenant can be proud of his men. – There is definitely great satisfaction in hard work – says lieutenant Tomasz Dzierga from the 13th Silesian Territorial Defense Brigade.
There is no talk of a longer break for now. – You are a firefighter all the time. Whether it is at work or outside the home. It is inside – says Wawrzyniec Grzegórzko.
– For now, you live with this adrenaline inside. But yesterday, my nerves gave way and tears flowed – admits Maciej Such.
The heroes are tired. They have the right to be.
Main image source: TVN24