Volunteer Fire Department Szczecin
Who are we?

OSP Szczecin, founded in 2006, is a specialist rescue unit that focuses on search and rescue operations and high-altitude rescue. Our organization is based on the voluntary involvement of our members.

Our beginnings (2006–2010)

The Szczecin Volunteer Fire Department was established in 2006 as a grassroots initiative by rescue enthusiasts, including Mariusz Cyrulewski – its first president and an experienced rescuer. From the very beginning, the unit had the character of an association supporting professional services. Cooperation with the Szczecin State Fire Service and other rescue services began almost immediately. The first recruitment and training of volunteers began in 2007, focusing on high ethical and physical standards.

Specialization and development (2010–2015)

In subsequent years, the Szczecin Volunteer Fire Department specialised in high-altitude rescue and search and rescue. Rope and cynological sections were created. Intensive training was conducted, training camps were attended and cooperation with foundations and rescue services was developed. Much emphasis was also placed on medical rescue – many members obtained KPP qualifications.

The greatest success of this period was the project "Ready for Rescue" (2013), financed by the Marshal's Office, which significantly increased the combat readiness of the unit. Equipment was purchased, the team was trained and realistic maneuvers were conducted.

At that time, President Mariusz Cyrulewski was awarded the Bronze Badge of Merit for Fire Protection by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

New strategy and change of direction (from 2020)

OSP Szczecin is entering a new era. After years of activity with a strong emphasis on high-altitude rescue and search, today our unit is undergoing a thorough transformation - we focus on technical rescue and logistical and support activities, modeled on structures known from civil support units. We want to be not only ready to help, but also to really support residents where specialist knowledge, efficient organization and precision of action count.

The new strategy includes:

support in traffic accidents,
activities related to stabilization of structures and disaster sites,
logistics and field security (e.g. bagging, evacuations, emergency power supply),
training for volunteers and communities,
qualified first aid,
and – what is particularly important – close cooperation with WOPR Szczecin on the water.

This cooperation is not an addition – it is one of the pillars of our new identity. Together with WOPR water rescuers, we participate in exercises, demonstrations, patrols and securing water areas. We complement each other in terms of competence – we in the technical and medical areas, they in the water areas. This combination provides real operational power, which will only grow.

Today, OSP Szczecin has a new board and a new generation of rescuers – young, energetic, determined. We combine freshness, initiative and readiness to act with respect for the history of our unit. We have the strength, passion and vision – we want to create a modern and effective technical and rescue support unit for the city of Szczecin and its residents.

Resident Safety

The Szczecin Volunteer Fire Department ensures the safety of its residents by organizing rescue demonstrations, educational workshops, and events promoting safety. Projects such as the "Little Firefighter Academy" or maneuvers with WOPR show the unit's commitment to educating children and youth.

Most important actions and achievements

Participation in the evacuation of Szczecin residents during the removal of unexploded ordnance (2013)
Numerous searches for missing persons in the province
High altitude rescue operations in cooperation with the State Fire Service
Securing mass events (Tall Ships Races, RATMAZ 2013 exercises)
Social activity of members – including the evacuation of the Maritime Academy dormitory by the OSP members

Future

OSP Szczecin is optimistic about the future. The reactivation and change of direction of operations open a new chapter in the history of the unit. Focusing on technical rescue, further development of medical facilities and social education are to make the unit a strong, modern partner in the rescue system of the city and region.

Always ready to help – voluntarily, professionally, with passion.