- National police officers Ignacio Bedoya and Alejandro Guardado have been distinguished for saving the lives of three people, the Canine Rescue and Rescue Unit of Arrate for the creation of a bank of smell that facilitates rescues and the meteorologist Margarita Martín for her long trajectory
Police officers Ignacio Bedoya and Alejandro Guardado, meteorologist Margarita Martín and the Canine Rescue and Rescue Unit of Arrate have been distinguished with the Medals of Merit of Civil Protection imposed this morning in Vitoria-Gasteiz, at the headquarters of the Delegation of the Government of Spain in the Basque Country. These medals distinguish individuals and organizations that during the previous year stood out for their merits and actions in the protection of individuals.
The two national police officers decorated on this occasion saved the lives of three people, two in Donostia and another in Gijón, when they were off duty. Agent Ignacio Bedoya, stationed at the San Sebastián police station, rescued two bathers on Zurriola beach who were trying unsuccessfully to reach the shore. His colleague Alejandro Guardado, from the Irun police station, performed a decisive heart massage to a person who had suffered a cardiopulmonary stop at a golf club in Gijón.
The Canine Rescue and Rescue Unit of Arrate stands out, among other virtues, for the creation of an odour bank that today gathers about 2,000 samples to facilitate and accelerate the search for people who have been injured or disappeared. Its president Valeriano de la Calle, Judith Rasines and Eva María Gómez thanked the award of the medal accompanied by the dogs lola and Tenessee.
For her part, the director of the territorial delegation of AEMET in the Basque Country, Margarita Martín, was awarded for her long career as a meteorologist, the prediction of adverse phenomena and preventive warnings that have helped to save and protect many goods and human lives throughout decades of dedication.
Involvement beyond work
All of them have been honoured during the event held in the Government Delegation chaired by delegate Marisol Garmendia, who highlighted the merits of the winners. “In addition to knowing what decisions to make, we must want to make them, be personally involved beyond the strict fulfillment of their daily work, be willing to put in the hours that are needed and when they are needed to help others, which is what we are talking about here today with the delivery of the Medals to the Merit of Civil Protection,” said Garmendia.
The delegate of the Government has shown her special emotion for her first imposition of medals in addition to summarizing the reasons that have led the Delegation to choose the winners. “They are anonymous heroes who are not so anonymous from today, whose professional trajectory and vocation of public service are of course worth a medal and, above all, our gratitude for your unpayable service to society,” he said.
In addition to the work, there is an added component to deserve these mentions, as highlighted by Marisol Garmendia. “It is your job, it goes on the payroll, some will say… But our recognition goes beyond the performance of the functions, the duty fulfilled. Saving lives, caring for the well-being of others, is a vocation, a civic and ethical commitment that not everyone has.”
During her speech, Marisol Garmendia highlighted the physical and technical preparation of the winners and, above all, their willingness to help others. “Of course it has to be used for this and both police officers Ignacio and Alejandro and all those who form the UCAS and the meteorologist Margarita Martín credit a long professional training that helps them make the best decisions in the most critical moments,” he praised.
There have also been times for recognition and vindication. The Government delegate has shown her solidarity with the winners in their difficult daily work. “We know that your work is not without challenges. From lack of resources to fatigue and emotional stress, they face significant obstacles in the mission of protecting others. That is why it is crucial that we recognize not only your achievements, but also your needs. We must ensure that you have the support and resources to carry out your work safely and effectively.”
Marisol Garmendia has repeatedly expressed her gratitude for the work of the winners. “Your courage and civic commitment are a testament to the best human spirit and we are eternally grateful to you for your work. May these medals serve as a symbol of our deep respect and recognition and inspire you to move forward on your noble path of service to citizenship,” he concluded.