The 2024 Service Champion award went to Ľubomír Mitrik for his work in the Volunteer Fire Department of the village of Drienov (DHZo Drienov). He first became a professional firefighter, later on a volunteer.
“Like many other boys, I was attracted to the firefighter profession from a young age. At first, I worked in the ironworks at the ÚMD (central mechanical workshops). When they were recruiting for the factory fire department in 1994, I signed up. I immediately got involved in firefighting for VSŽ. We did it professionally for about seven years and we did well. In Drienov, where I later settled, firefighting competitions were held. As a spectator, I saw that young boys, as it said, “would like to”, but did not know how to do it. So I took them on, to help them, give them advice. Since our company's sports departments were gone, equipment such as hoses and suction cups for firefighting sports was no longer needed. I initiated the sale to the village of Drienov so that the equipment could still be used by volunteers in the DHZo. And that's how I gradually "got involved"."
Ľubomír Mitrik works in the DHZo Drienov as a member of the intervention rescue unit and also a youth officer - a firefighting sports trainer. He is also a member of the training staff of the territorial organization of the Voluntary Fire Protection Prešov. He has achieved many successes with the youth. The running times that "his boys" achieved at the beginning were around 30 seconds. Today it is 14 seconds. As he says, the basis is a well-mastered technique of firefighting operations. Under his coaching leadership, athletes from the DHZo Drienov became champions of the Prešov district nine times, winners of the Prešov League three times and twice made it to the Slovak Super Cup. He has other plans for the future:
"I enjoy working with youth. In cooperation with the Primary School in Drienov, I would like to organize a fire sports club. I notice that since the coronavirus pandemic, when everyone stayed home and closed themselves off, we have had a problem motivating youth."
He skillfully combined his passion for working with young people with his family. He also brought his son, who is now a professional firefighter as well, to fire sports. He took his daughter to competitions as a photographer, and his three-year-old grandson is already fond of walkie-talkies... His wife supports him greatly.
He says about his work in the DHZo:
"As volunteer firefighters, we intervene in a district of six villages. During floods, we go to draw water from wells or cellars, we are called to car accidents, we intervene in fires, windstorms, when threatened by dangerous insects, and the like... I never turn off my phone, not even at night. When I can, I help everyone. I also teach the boys that people need to be helped. We are always available in the village, whether it is when setting up the municipal May Day parade, tents for the municipal festival, or bonfire for the anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising."
Last year, the DHZo Drienov celebrated its 100th anniversary.
"On this occasion, together with firefighters from the USSK factory department, we demonstrated to the public how to rescue people from a crashed vehicle and put out a fire. People could try out fire suits and equipment. Many have no idea how demanding the work of a firefighter is. And not only physically. We go where everyone runs away from. I am convinced that a person must be born a firefighter in order to do the job responsibly, the way it should be done."
The award is accompanied by financial support of 5,000 euros, which Ľubomír Mitrik is donating to the village of Drienov to help the local DHZo.
"I am very happy that I managed to obtain such help for the DHZo Drienov. The committee meeting will decide what it will be used for. It will definitely be equipment that is necessary for our work so that we can help people better."
