Italian fire chief Ciro Bolognese honored for Venezuela earthquake rescue mission

On 30 July, the municipal administration of Mercogliano (Italy) awarded Engineer Ciro Bolognese, a senior officer of the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco, a commemorative parchment for his leadership of the Italian rescue team deployed to Venezuela after the recent devastating earthquake.

Bolognese coordinated search‑and‑rescue operations among the rubble and, together with his contingent, received the Venezuelan "Héroes de Venezuela" medal—the highest honor granted by the Venezuelan state for humanitarian assistance. The ceremony, attended by Mayor Vittorio D’Alessio, local councilors and fire‑service officials, highlighted the value of international solidarity and technical expertise.

The recognition underscores Italy’s contribution to the multinational relief effort that addressed the needs of Venezuelan communities impacted by the seismic disaster.