site.btaValentin Velikov Named Firefighter of the Year for 2026

Valentin Velikov, Head of the First Regional Fire Service in Burgas, has been named winner of the Firefighter of the Year competition for 2026. He received the award from caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev at a special ceremony at the Ministry of Interior on Friday.

In 2025, Velikov led and took part in operations responding to numerous fires in the Burgas region, including efforts to contain the large wildfire in Sungurlare in August. He made a significant contribution to bringing the fires under control, rescuing civilians, and protecting their property.