Compassion, courage, strength and friendship. These are what firefighter Tjaša Gregorn thinks about when asked about volunteer firefighters.
She’s a graphic design and multimedia student who volunteers with the fire service in Postojna, Slovenia, following in the footsteps of her mother, aunt and uncle. Yet that’s not too unusual, as almost every family in Slovenia has someone who is a volunteer firefighter, according to Tjaša.
“Grandparent, parents, siblings; we are all connected in our passion to save lives,” she explains.
While tasks like delivering drinking water to remote households and being there for those in need inspire her, the film also reveals some of the emergencies she’s bravely faced and how, with the help of her closely-knit team, she copes with the aftermath.
This is the final episode in Ford’s first ‘Lifesavers’ series of films that delve into what drives Europe’s blue light heroes to risk everything to help others. Whether professionals or volunteers dedicating their own time, they share the courage and compassion to make the difference in moments of greatest need.
Postojna Fire Brigade Services
The department has a long track-record of using specially-converted Ford Ranger vehicles, with older generations still in service alongside the latest models.
The local terrain makes their off-road performance and ground clearance perfect for accessing higher vantage points, while the carrying capacity means they can get to emergencies with all the equipment they need.
The brigade also has a number of Ford Transit vans that play an important role in operations.
The ‘Lifesavers’ series
In each episode, the Ford video cameras have captured the tough challenges that confront the featured lifesaver as they serve their local communities. The series includes:
Episode 1: Valencia Ambulance Service, Spain. Available now
Episode 2: Nové Mlýny Water Rescue Team, Czech Republic. Available now
Episode 3: Derby Mountain Rescue, UK. Available now
Episode 4: Pompiers 13 Fire Brigade, France. Available now
Episode 5: Bavarian Red Cross, Germany. Available now
Episode 6: Fire Brigade Services, Slovenia. Available now
Quotes
“Fear, we all fear. Not of the fire, but for each other, so that we come back as a unit.”
Tjaša Gregorn, Slovenia
“Filming this episode was quite unlike any of the others as firefighting just appears so ingrained within the families there. It’s almost a way of life for many, a tradition. While we had seen the bravery and courage of firefighters in other episodes, what really struck home in Slovenia was how much they meant to the community. That was really special.”
Jerome Isaac, producer, Ford Lifesavers
Links and Hashtags
For more information on this story please contact Peter Watt
(pwatt3@ford.com: +44 1268 401307)
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 42,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
