Decades on high alert. Two Lepel leaders share their experience and insights.

Decades on high alert, hundreds of lives, numerous incident responses of varying nature and complexity: over the past decades, the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations (ROChS) has evolved from a highly specialized fire service into a multifunctional rescue organization.

Two leaders, Valentin Lovets and Ivan Maskalkov, have witnessed and actively participated in these changes. Their experience, perspectives, and approaches to work provide insight into how the service has developed and the challenges it faces today.

It is likely that both Valentin Eduardovich and Ivan Petrovich have repeatedly noticed how fate has led them along similar paths: both are natives of the Vitebsk region, both graduated from the Soligorsk Mining and Chemical College, the Gomel Engineering Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus, and the Master's program at the Civil Protection University of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus. Both have headed the Lepel Department for Emergency Situations at different times: first Valentin Lovets, and currently Ivan Maskalkov.

An Era of Change: From Crowbars to High Technology

It so happened that the main years of Valentin Eduardovich's service are connected with the Lepel region. In October 2000, he entered service at the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations as the head of the watch of fire rescue unit No. 1. From 2009, he served as the deputy head of the Lepel ROChS. From 2014 to 2022, he was the head of the Lepel ROChS.

— Essentially, the 2000s marked the period of transformation of our service from a fire service to a fire and rescue service. And, as for the entire country, these were challenging years. If initially we only responded to fires, the range of tasks gradually expanded, and with it, the equipment and supplies were improved. We used to respond to traffic accidents with just a crowbar and a shovel as our equipment. Resourcefulness and experience were employed. That's how people were saved. It is gratifying, — says the veteran, — that over the past decades, rescuers have been equipped with modern technology and equipment, as well as special protective gear. All this allows us to perform the most complex tasks at a high level and reduce response times to emergencies.

Prevent Rather Than Extinguish

Today, the fire service of the Republic of Belarus continues to develop dynamically, and its structure is being improved. The range of problems that rescuers help district residents to solve is vast and has long gone beyond just assisting at fires. From an open manhole and the need to cut down a tree to serious incidents, the employees of the District Department for Emergency Situations (ROChS) are ready to help in any situation. However, as they say, it is better to prevent trouble. Therefore, a huge amount of work is being done to promote safe living.

"Of course, we pay great attention to the issues of preventing emergencies, that is, we try to eliminate emergencies even before they occur, as well as to increase the combat readiness of our units," says Ivan Maskalkov, who has headed the Lepel ROChS since 2023. "This includes conducting various exercises, drills, purchasing new equipment, machinery, and much more."

"To some extent, it was easier for me," notes Valentin Eduardovich. "As a professional and as a leader, I grew up in this team: everyone knew me, and I knew the environment. And we did not immediately receive such a range of tasks as we have today."

"A new team, a new place – it's always a challenge. But I had experience, including managerial work (I served in various positions at the Shumilino ROChS: from master rescuer to first deputy head of department – editorial note). Yes, I have to deal with some areas of work more closely, because the district has its own specifics. But the main thing is the desire to work and make our department the best."

The Team is the Foundation of Success

But at all times, the most important thing is the people who have dedicated their lives to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).

"There were occasional random people here, as everywhere, but they didn't stay long. I am sure that 90% of the team worked here not for the salary, but for their conscience, for the idea. That is why we managed to preserve the team during difficult times when people were looking for easier places, where there was more money. But we still managed to keep the core," notes Valentin Lovets.

"Team cohesion is the key to success. When there are no internal conflicts, when everyone works like one fist, tasks are solved faster," supports Ivan Maskalkov.

Lepel ROChS Today: Challenges and Achievements

According to the performance criteria that define the work of each of the 23 departments in the region, the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations (ROChS) is confidently in the top ten: third in the first quarter, and seventh for the half-year. However, the team is cohesive, experienced, and ambitious – there are every chances to secure a place in the top five by the end of the year.

Today, the total staff number is 82 employees. They respond not only to extinguish fires but also to provide assistance to victims of road traffic accidents, rescue drowning persons, to rid people of stinging insects (wasps, hornets, wild bees), to search for mushroom pickers, and more.

— I am grateful to each employee of the district department for emergency situations for their service and responsible attitude towards their work. They are all high-level professionals with experience, which they are ready to share with younger employees. I am confident that only the conscientious performance of their official duties allows us to solve the tasks set and achieve high results in service, public work, and sports.

Continuity and Traditions

It is very important that continuity and systematicity are maintained in the work of the Lepel ROChS.

Text and photos: Elena Gruk, journalist of LK