On 25 January 2024, the 58th anniversary of the Minas Gerais Military Fire Brigade (CBMMG) in Governador Valadares was marked with a ceremony at the Eighth Integrated Public Security Region (RISP) auditorium.
This unit, overseeing 124 municipalities in Minas Gerais, including the Rio Doce, Mucuri, and Jequitinhonha valleys, operates six units in Araçuaí, Almenara, Teófilo Otoni, São João Evangelista, Guanhães, and Resplendor.
Plans for a new unit in Itaobim and a Municipal Brigade in Conselheiro Pena were also announced.
The event honoured military personnel and civilians for their notable contributions in 2023.
Celebrations concluded with the traditional “Congratulations,” featuring a birthday cake and the presence of mascots Foguinho and Faísca.
The Governor Valadares Fire Department was established on 26 January 1966, evolving significantly over the years.
Initially part of the Minas Gerais Military Police, it became an independent entity on 2 June 1999.
The change, formalized by Constitutional Amendment nº 39, expanded the brigade’s responsibilities to include civil defense and fire safety regulations.
Later, under State Governor Aécio Neves’ decree in 2006, the First Independent Company was elevated to a battalion, forming the current Sixth Military Fire Brigade.
Lieutenant Colonel Luciano Barbosa de Souza currently commands this brigade, along with the Fifth Operational Fire Command, led by Colonel Adriano Marcos Miranda.
On 26 January 2024, the 5th Military Firefighter Battalion (5th BBM) in Uberlândia celebrated its anniversary.
The unit, which handles over 40,000 incidents annually, is pivotal in prevention and emergency response in Uberlândia and surrounding areas.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military and civil authorities, including Colonel Erlon Dias do Nascimento Botelho, the general commander of CBMMG.
Initially a fire subsection in 1966, the 5th BBM has grown substantially.
Elevated to a battalion in 1995, it now has a strategic presence across Uberlândia with various platoons and a Training Center.
The battalion’s collaboration with the Integrated Emergency Network and the city hall has enhanced its disaster response capabilities, making it the most active operational unit in Minas Gerais.
Colonel Botelho praised the battalion: “The 58 years represent more than history and tradition; they symbolize love, courage and dedication to the noble mission of saving lives.”
The commemoration of the anniversaries of the CBMMG units in Governador Valadares and Uberlândia highlights the enduring legacy and continual evolution of these vital emergency services.
The ceremonies not only reflect on the past achievements but also focus on future commitments and expansions, indicating the brigade’s adaptability and dedication to public safety.
These events serve as a reminder of the critical role fire brigades play in protecting communities and their resilience in the face of evolving challenges.