Nepali Man Becomes Portugal's First Volunteer Firefighter

Kathmandu. A Nepali who went to Portugal for foreign employment has succeeded in becoming a volunteer firefighter here.

According to Nepali journalist Bharat Pradhan in Portugal, 42-year-old Dharamraj Bhandari from Tilottama Municipality-1, Rupandehi, has become Portugal's first Nepali firefighter (Bombeiro).

Bhandari became a volunteer firefighter after successfully completing a fire control, emergency service, and rescue course and rigorous training for about a year and a half, acquiring the technical and physical qualifications.

After the training, Bhandari completed the necessary procedures and joined the firefighting team of 'Bombeiros Voluntários da Moita' under the Moita Municipality in Setúbal.

'Bombeiros Voluntários da Moita' inducted Bhandari as a volunteer firefighter in an official ceremony a few weeks ago. On that occasion, five other new firefighters, including Bhandari, were also inducted into service. Bhandari and the newly appointed firefighters took an oath in front of the organization's flag, pledging to serve the community with honor, a sense of duty, and responsibility.

Bhandari expressed his immense happiness and pride in being able to become a volunteer firefighter (Bombeiro) in Portugal. 'As a Nepali, I feel proud and honored to be connected with humanitarian service in a foreign land. Portugal has given us a lot, and we must also contribute something, which is why I joined this service,' Bhandari said, adding, 'I consider this a matter of self-satisfaction and good fortune.'

According to him, this service is entirely voluntary. There is no service facility or remuneration. 'This is purely social and humanitarian service, which gives a unique satisfaction and joy,' he added.

Bhandari's journey to becoming a firefighter was not easy. Initially, he tried to join courses and training at more than half a dozen fire control service organizations in Portugal, but he was rejected by many places. He said that many were surprised when he expressed his goal of becoming a firefighter at the fire control organization's administration.

Finally, 'Bombeiros Voluntários da Moita' gave him an opportunity. Bhandari said that he utilized that opportunity with hard work. He mentioned that the Portuguese language became a big challenge during the training. He also faced questions like, 'Your language is not good, how will you become a firefighter?' 'With the confidence that I can and I will do it, I remained dedicated until the end, and finally succeeded,' he said, sharing the moments of struggle with joy.

Bhandari also shared an interesting incident where an appeal was filed against him at the administration, stating that foreign citizens should not be appointed as firefighters, while he was being selected and the appointment process was underway. However, he said that the administration rejected the appeal and appointed him, inducting him into the service of the firefighting team.

According to Bhandari, some Portuguese who participated in the training with him left midway. Out of a total of 22 participants, only 6 were selected. He also mentioned that he was the only participant from Asian countries.

He said that the Portuguese were very happy when he joined as a firefighter. Bhandari stated that Commander Pedro Ferreira of 'Bombeiros Voluntários da Moita' played a significant role in him becoming a firefighter. He said that the commander's continuous support, guidance, and motivation from the beginning made it easier for him to become a firefighter, despite the language difficulties.

The Nepali Ambassador to Portugal, Prakashmani Poudel, also attended Bhandari's oath-taking ceremony as a special guest. Ambassador Poudel said that the formal involvement of a Nepali in Portugal's fire control service has enhanced the pride of Nepal and Nepalis.

Mentioning that Bhandari's achievement is an inspiration and a matter of pride for the entire Nepali community, he said that it has further highlighted the positive image of the immigrant Nepali community in Portugal. Poudel said that high officials present at the ceremony also presented Bhandari's example and praised the Nepali community openly.

He said that Bhandari's involvement has inspired the Nepali community to integrate more with the local society and become active in social and humanitarian service activities. Ambassador Poudel said that such social activities and contributions play an important role in enhancing the respect of Nepal and Nepalis at the public level and strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Bhandari, who worked in various countries in the Middle East for a long time before coming to Portugal five years ago, initially worked in a restaurant. After leaving his restaurant job, he started working as a mechanic in a company. He said that after all aspects, including work, documentation, and family settlement, became favorable, he joined this service as a form of social service. He said that during his youth in India, he was inspired to engage in social and humanitarian service, and that inspiration awakened the feeling of contributing something to society. He mentioned that even while working in various countries in the Middle East, he used to be involved in social work, including blood donation.

Portugal's fire control service is based on both governmental and volunteer structures, working in coordination with state regulation, local government support, and professional bodies. Local citizens acquire the necessary training and actively participate as volunteer firefighters in fire control, rescue, and emergency services.

The fire control service here is actively involved not only in fire control but also in emergency medical services, ambulance services, rescue, and relief operations during road accidents, floods, and other natural disasters.

This service is regarded with social respect and is considered an important means of mutual cooperation and humanitarian service in the community. Due to the need to be at the forefront of fire and emergency rescue and relief operations, the fire control service is also considered a very risky, challenging, sensitive, and adventurous task.

The participation of Nepali citizen Bhandari has not only enhanced the pride of the Nepali community residing in Portugal but has also sent a positive message about the identity, contribution, and social integration of Nepalis in the society here. Bhandari said that he has taken the opportunity he received as a social responsibility and duty.

'It is a matter of pride and good fortune for me to have the opportunity to serve the community. I will work with more honesty and dedication in the coming days,' he said. Bhandari lives in Portugal with his family.