Czech Petr Pavel Honors Rescue Team for Venezuela Earthquake Aid

President Petr Pavel thanked roughly sixty members of the Czech Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team for their work after the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela in late June and early July. During a ceremony at the Jelený prýkop on Prague Castle, he received a humanitarian decoration – the "Hero of Venezuela First Class" – presented by Venezuela’s provisional president Delcy Rodríguez. Pavel praised the rescuers’ professionalism and self‑sacrifice, noting that their efforts also involved support from the Czech army, police and the Prague city guard, which provided logistics and transport.

USAR commander Petr Vodička highlighted the joint work of firefighters, army personnel and police in the mission. Pavel linked the recognition to broader humanitarian needs, mentioning that Czech firefighters are currently assisting with forest‑fire fighting in southern Europe, including in France, and that similar assistance may be required again in the future.