Welcome to the website of the DVD Sveti Đurđ

W E L C O M E!

ABOUT THE SVETI DJURDJ VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DOBROVOLJNO VATROGASNO DRUSTVO SVETI DJURDJ (American English: Sveti Djurdj Volunteer Fire Department; British English: Voluntary Fire Brigade) is an all-volunteer, humanitarian and non-political society of volunteer firefighters of special interest for the Republic of Croatia in the field of fire protection. Department's members are persons who work in order to improve fire service and fire protection, as well as other persons performing activities which patronize a fire service...
(First lines of the Department's Statutes)

Photo taken during a controlled burning activities in Sveti Djurdj in 2003 

More than one century of active and above all successful service of the volunteer fire department in Sveti Djurdj (synonym to St. George in English language), based on the principles of voluntary activities and self-organization of citizens in order to achieve humane ideas, as well as on the principles of mutual help in case of fire or other emergencies - we proudly emphasise all these as the main reasons for a presentation of our Department to all curious "Web surfers" around the world, and especially to our colleagues and friends in the fire service.

To speak with a wish to mention the most important things related to Sveti Djurdj, without mentioning the firefighters and their perfect inner organization, that would certanly be a mistake, because firefighters of Sveti Djurdj have been participants of almost all social events in their region. Thanks to their reputation, and we could also say their popularity, fire department has always been one of the leading public organizations.

Members of the DVD Sveti Djurdj at the Department's 110yr celebration in 2007

What can you find on this site?

Various informations across the site will give you a great insight into our rich history, as well as into inner structure of one among the oldest voluntary fire departments in northern Croatia. You will also find out how we respond to fire calls, organize traditional public manifestations and fire departments' competitions as well as some informations about our collaboration with foreign firefighting organisations.
 
Please feel free to contact us with your suggestions, critics, bug reports and other interesting ideas.

Collaborate with us!

Special note to all visitors: Due to problems in interpretation of a few Croatian letters by certain Web browsers, original name of Sveti Đurđ has been transformed into Sveti Djurdj. Thanks for your understanding!

HISTORY OF THE DVD SVETI DJURDJ

As tradition of organized fire service in northern Croatia is very strong and originates from 1860's, nearness of the cradle of modern Croatian fire service, town of Varazdin, had a positive influence on the development of the idea about the foundation of the volunteer fire department in the village of Sveti Djurdj. 
Necessity for a quick and above all effective fire protection was even more distinct back in those times because of the annihilating experiences in the fight with fire which has mercilessly "swalowed" thatched roofs of the village households. Large families were often left without basic existential conditions.
Originator of the firefighters movement in Sveti Djurdj's municipality was Konrad Klingspoegel, teacher in the Sveti Djurdj's primary school. After gathering all people who shared same ideas from all villages, a foundations of volunteer fire departments were layed in all villages of our region. With support of a few citizens of Sveti Djurdj (with Vinko Kovacic as one among the leaders) teacher Klingspoegel has founded the Sveti Djurdj Volunteer Fire Department (Croatian: Dobrovoljno vatrogasno drustvo Sveti Djurdj - DVD Sveti Djurdj) back in 1874, 10 years after the foundation of the First Croatian Volunteer Fire Dept. in Varazdin (Croatian: Prvi hrvatski dobrovoljni vatrogasni zbor u Varazdinu). 

Nevertheless, 10th of June 1897 has been officially treated as a date of foundation of our VFD, thanks to poor work of the department's members who were responsible for taking the minutes at that time. When the official register of all Croatian firefighting organizations has been created for a first time (after the World War 1), Sveti Djurdj VFD didn't have any written proof of its long existence. Department's second fire engine (horse dragged and manually operated pump) was manufactured in 1897 (as a plate on it says so) and the officials took that date as a date of our foundation. That's why 23 years of our service are "gone with the wind" (there are some signs of possible correction of that false data because department's members have found some historic documents in various libraries and archives).

     
Veteran firefighters of the Sveti Djurdj VFD at the 
110th anniversary of the Ludbreg VFD (in 1979)

DEPARTMENT'S EQUIPMENT - A HISTORICAL REVIEW
Economic state of our department in early years didn't allowe us to purchase any heavy equipment. There was no place for unreal expectations of some greater help from the superior institutions, so the only option left was to collect modest financial resources among Sveti Djurdj's citizens. After three years of firefighting with wooden buckets, department purchased its very first fire engine. That fire engine was one among early models (horse dragged). Water had to be poured into cylinder with buckets and it was pumped in fire hoses by 8-10 men who had powered the pump by pumping pretty fast with a 2 wooden sticks. In spite of its primitive construction it was a great help to Department's members.

By year 1879 Sveti Djurdj VFD had its first firehouse. The second firehouse was built in 1942 on the ground of the first one. On the eve of the official 100th anniversary of department's foundation in 1997 that firehouse was a bit renewed by voluntary work of department's members.
 
First uniforms, as well as the trumphet, commander's sabre and a few other items were bought in 1910. That year is also very special in department's history because of some decisions made on the annual general meeting. According to those decisions fire department had to take greater role in Sveti Djurdj's public and cultural life by organization of various events.


A period between the two world wars was very tough for civil organisations, including voluntary fire departments, and the same has happened in Sveti Djurdj. Many members had to go to the battle fields, and some of them stayed in a village in order to guard the firehouse. The only Department's member killed in a firefighting uniform was Stjepan Kovac, victom of bombing during the last days of the WW2. Our Department had to change its name to Sveti Gjurgj in those years. 

Modernization of department started in 1962 when first portable motorized fire pump ("Savica" type) was purchased. Due to Sveti Djurdj's development and greater needs of the Sveti Djurdj VFD second portable fire pump was bought in 1974 ("Magirus"). Department uses this pump in present time for education of new members as well as for training of department's competition team.

Year 1970 is especially significant for Sveti Djurdj and its surroundings because of filming of famous humoristic series "Mejasi" (eng. Neighbours) by the national television company. Seventh epizode was named "Firefighters" and it presented life of a voluntary fire brigade in a small village back at those times - in a very funny way.
You can find Youtube links on parts of that episode below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rirgaJDqomg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeVwFaLdWg0&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ7C7JvU0fY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAJ_GvzLkak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-b2I0UJp9s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuV1QtmI_Yw

Department's first flag was officialy delivered in 1979, with a festive ceremony organized for many departments.

Official flag delivery ceremony in 1979

The first motorized vehicle was purchased in 1977. It was a van ("IMV") used for transport of personnel and smaller equipment (including portable fire pump already mentioned above). 80's of the 20th century are also important as a greater number of new members finished their training for certain ranks in voluntary fire service. Therefore department's readiness in case of emergency had significantly increased. Various smaller parts of firefighting equipment, including fire hoses, were bought during that period.

In a period between World War II and year 1993 DVD Sveti Djurdj have been member of the Ludbreg Fire Services Association (cro. Vatrogasni savez opcine Ludbreg) along with 32 other volunteer fire departments from the Ludbreg area.
In 1993 DVD Sveti Djurdj has been named as a central firefighting respond unit for a newly founded Sveti Djurdj Municipality. Due to new commitments and duties the first "first strike" fire engine was bought one year later - a second-hand Magirus fire engine bought in Germany. In spite of its age (made in 1965), department used it successfully till 1999 when much better "Dennis" fire engine came from Great Britain.

Magirus fire engine built in 1965 (purchased in 1994)

TV report (made by a national television company) about the official Magirus fire engine delivery ceremony in 1994

100TH ANNIVERSARY - A SUCCESSFULL HAPPENING
On 20th of July 1997 Department had celebrated official 100th anniversary of Department's foundation. Around 250 firefighters came from northern Croatia in Sveti Djurdj on that day. After a solemn march of Department's representatives (with flags) followed by brass orchestra in early morning, there was a special mass held in St. George's church in Sveti Djurdj for all members of the Sveti Djurdj VFD, past and present ones.
Firefighter's arrivals finished at 10 am when official ceremony begun.

     
Details from a great happening

A programme on stage included: greeting speeches of the Department's president Josip Bahat and commander Franjo Orlovic, as well as speeches of all honorable guests. There were also: review of Department's long history by secretary Stjepan Kovacek, official hand over of a new Department's flag, solemn distribution of medals to the meritorious members of the VFD, etc. 
Official lunch was an opportunity to take a small break, as for our guests as well as for a members of domestic VFD. All guests were really atracted by second part of a programme in the afternoon, as members of Biskupec VFD (official Croatian champions in firefighters' competition drill in 1996) presented their skills in their super fast drills.
The most unforgettable part of that programme was a great performance of the Sveti Djurdj VFD's veterans as they performed an excellent drill with the oldest fire engine in our firehouse, the one from 1897 (it still works "as a new one").

 
A moment to remember: Veteran firefighters of the Sv. Djurdj Volunteer Fire Dept. at the 100th anniversary in 1997 (the oldest fire pump, or "squirt", from year 1897 is behind them)

The last part of programme was organized by Department's emergency squads. A fire simulation included fire attack with 10 hose lines with water and foam, using 3 separate pumps from various water sources. 
The unofficial part of programme with a great music band lasted till late night hours.

DVD SVETI DJURDJ "FIRST IN THE USA"
Sveti Djurdj VFD took part in the history of Croatian fire service as the first dept. from this part of Europe presented in one among the leading fire magazines in America, the "National Fire & Rescue". They published a story from Stjepan Kovacek, department's general secretary (named "Survival is still the greatest challenge") in their April 1997 edition. 
Fire service in the Republic of Croatia as well as firefighters from Sveti Djurdj were presented to thousands of readers by that article (special thanks goes to Ms. Pat C. West, managing editor of the NF&R). 
By the end of same year, Kovacek's story was also published in the "Journal of the British Fire Services Association" (special thanks to Mr. Gary Slegg FIMgt, Vice Chairman B.F.S.A., South Eastern District).

You can read an article below.

THE FIRST DEPARTMENT'S WEB PAGE IN 1997

Test

ABOUT "FIREFIGHTERS' NEWS", DEPARTMENT'S NEWSLETTER 
An official promotion of "Vatrogasni glasnik" (eng. Firefighters' News), department's yearly newsletter, took place during a celebration of a Day of Croatian Fire Service and st. Florian's Day in 1998.
It has been created because of a wish of department's members as they wanted to deliver a small but nice gift to all homes in Sveti Djurdj as a symbol of gratitude for a support given during department's long and rich history. Department's history review, Internet home page presentation, fire service competitions results, guest's columns, legend about St. Florian, fire safety tips and similar themes took place in the very first edition of our magazine. 
The second edition of Vatrogasni glasnik was published in 1999 and was delivered to all homes in Sveti Djurdj Municipality along with the fire departments' calendars (this action is also a traditional in our area).

DONATION FROM GREAT BRITAIN
Department's secretary's role of the official translator and guide for a delegation of the British Fire Services Association in the International Fire Services Youth Camp in Novi Vinodolski (at the Adriatic Coast) in 1997 became one among the crucial events in the Department's history.
Based on the friendship founded between Croatian and British firefighters in that camp a great visit happened in 1998. Mr. Gary Slegg, chairman of the humanitarian fire services charity "Operation Florian" (Southern region)(also a vice chairman of the British Fire Services Association - SE Region), as one among leaders of a British delegation already mentioned above, has visited the Sveti Djurdj VFD as well as many fire departments in northern Croatia in June 1998. 
During his visit Mr. Slegg has donated a great quantity of firefighting equipment (firefighting apparel) to Sveti Djurdj VFD on behalf of Operation Florian. On Sunday, 21st of June, a solemn manifestation was organized with a few separate programs: an official donation delivery, meeting with the municipality's mayor, fire departments' competition, etc.

A great award given to members of Sveti Djurdj VFD has to be especially emphasised. Dobrovoljno vatrogasno drustvo Sveti Djurdj has been officialy proclaimed during that happening as an associate member of the British Fire Services Association (as one among rare departments outside the British territory with such honour).

"OPERATION FLORIAN '99" IN SVETI DJURDJ 
A new visit of british fire service delegation happened in spring 1999 as a prolongation of successfull collaboration started in 1997. British humanitarian fire service charity Operation Florian, a donator of more than 20 fire engines and other fire equipment to fire departments worldwide, prepaired a "package" made up of 6 fire engines to Republic of Croatia during that year. 
Main delivery happening for that year, named "Operation Florian - Sveti Djurdj '99", was organized on 23rd of April 1999 in Sveti Djurdj during a celebration of a Day of Sveti Djurdj Munipality and St. George's Day. A great number of highly respected people came there to be a part of programme where an official delivery of the Dennis RS 133 fire engine to DVD Sveti Djurdj has been the most important moment. Famous officials from politics, fire service and culture attending the ceremony included: dr. Franjo Greguric (Parliament delegate and president of the Croatian Fire Services Association), dr. Marijan Mlinaric (mayor of the Varazdin County and president of the Varazdin County Fire Services Association), mr. Franjo Krizanic (Parliament delegate and mayor of Ludbreg), mr. Bozidar Pugelnik (Minister of education and sport), dr. Stjepan Turek (Deputy Minister of Health and Social Care), Steve Owen-Hughes (president of the "Operation Florian" charity), Mick Doherty (chairman of the "Operation Florian" charity), Gary Slegg (president of the "Operation Florian" charity - Southern region and president of the British Fire Services Association - SE region) as well as many other officials. 
Very important roles in whole event were also taken by: Sveti Djurdj Municipality officials headed by mayor Josip Blazotinec, Sveti Djurdj Primary School officials headed by its principal Josip Blazotinec, members of the Women Association of Sveti Djurdj, attractive musicians of the "Juraj Loncaric" Culture and Art Society from Hrzenica, members of volunteer fire departments from the Sveti Djurdj Municipality, etc.

Some members of the VFD accompanied by British colleagues

8-day training for members of Department's firefighting squads, led by six British experienced and qualitive instructors, was taken by about 30 voluntary firefighters. New skills and knowledge about equipment donated to DVD were received, and special training was made with a new Dennis fire engine, its fire pump, breathing apparatus, etc.
We invite you to visit a very special corner of our site, with lot of photos from this great delivery happening in Sveti Djurdj, in our photo album.

TRADITIONAL MANIFESTATIONS, COMPETITIONS AND OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS 
Traditional happenings like st. Florian's Day celebration and similar events always had a special part in life of the DVD Sveti Djurdj. 
More information about such event, as well as about numerous successfull results won at fire departments' competitions across northern Croatia can be found in other parts of this Web site. Enjoy surfing!