The heavy rainfall that hit Calabria on the last day of October caused flooding, landslides and serious disruption, particularly along the Ionian side of the province of Catanzaro. The areas of Catanzaro Lido, Sellia Marina, Botricello, Cropani and the stretch of State Road 106 Jonica were among the most affected, with roads invaded by water and debris and numerous motorists rescued.
In this emergency context, the men and women of the State Police worked tirelessly to guarantee safety and assistance to citizens. The crews of the “Flying Vehicles” Office of the Catanzaro Police Headquarters constantly monitored the area, while the Traffic Police faced critical situations along the main roads, providing assistance and securing the most exposed areas.
During the flood event that affected the Ionian side, the Catanzaro Traffic Police – with patrols from the capital section and the Soverato Detachment, coordinated by Deputy Inspector Giuseppe Mancuso – operated promptly and with dedication, securing the sections affected by landslides and floods and rescuing numerous vehicles in difficulty. In one of the most significant episodes, a crew rescued a woman and a little girl who were trapped in their car with the water now close to the doors, managing to take them to a safe area. The patrols also escorted the Anas work vehicles to the most critical points, ensuring the safety of the artery.
“Once again – declares Rocco Morelli, Provincial General Secretary of Catanzaro of the FSP State Police Union – the women and men of the State Police have demonstrated what it means to truly serve the country. In the midst of chaos and fear, they represented a point of reference for the population, putting their own safety at risk in order to guarantee safety, aid and support to citizens.
On behalf of the Trade Union Organization that I represent, I would like to personally thank the operators of the Traffic Police Section of Catanzaro and of the Soverato Detachment, coordinated by the Deputy Inspector Mancuso Giuseppe, and in particular the Assistant Chief Voice Coordinators Rosario, Aiello Giovanni, Romeo Corrado, Bellinvia Giampiero, the Selected Agents Canino Paolo, Luigi Lucibello and the Agents Pontiero Vincenzo and Valentino Andrea, for their extraordinary example of courage, professionalism and spirit of sacrifice”.
Morelli adds: “The images of these hours give us yet another proof of a fragile territory, where the presence of the State, embodied by our Policemen, is often the only bastion of security and solidarity. It is essential that politics and institutions understand that security cannot be left to individual heroism. Concrete investments in men, means and resources are needed, so that those who are called to intervene in emergency contexts can do so with adequate protection and tools capable of measuring up to the complexity of the situations”.
Furthermore – continues Morelli – “the absence of the top management of the Calabria Traffic Police Department in giving institutional news of the excellent work of their colleagues and in addressing that symbolic but fundamental ‘pat on the back’ to those who have demonstrated great self-sacrifice and sense of duty cannot go unnoticed. A public recognition would have been the minimum sign of closeness towards those who, even in extreme conditions, honor the uniform with concrete facts”.
Finally, the Provincial Secretary of the FSP State Police underlines how the action of the police in the Catanzaro area represents “an example of efficiency, sacrifice and closeness to the community, which must translate into concrete recognition by the State. We need policies to strengthen the workforce, strengthen the structures and pay attention to the working conditions of those who, every day, are on the front line for the safety of citizens”.
“The commitment of the Calabrian police – concludes Morelli – is the most authentic testimony of a State that exists, that resists and that does not give up. But for this model of dedication not to remain isolated, a political vision is needed that puts the safety and dignity of those who guarantee it at the center of the country’s priorities”.