This Is How They Catch the Government Delegate of Valencia and the Chief General of the Ume

The town of Moncada, Valencia, hosted the Civil Protection Merit Medal ceremony yesterday in recognition of the volunteers of Operation Moncada.

More than 1,000 personnel were decorated with the Civil Protection Merit Cross with a red badge for their work during the DANA that hit the Valencian Community.

The anecdote of the day was not related to the recognitions or the importance of volunteering, but to a scene that left many perplexed.

During the ceremony, the chief general of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) and the Government delegate in Valencia starred in an unexpected moment.

Both were staring at each other from just four inches (10 cm) apart for at least 30 seconds. The situation was so striking that many thought they were about to kiss.

The scene did not go unnoticed and caused comments among those present, who could not believe what they were seeing. "It looked like they were going to kiss," commented one of the attendees, still surprised by the peculiar encounter.

The tension between them could be cut with a knife, and although no one knows what caused that moment, it certainly became the topic of conversation.

The Importance of Volunteer Work in Civil Protection

On International Civil Protection Day, the commitment of these volunteers was more recognized than ever. Their intervention after the DANA was crucial and demonstrated the need for more training and greater generational renewal.

Javier Álvarez, chief coordinator of Alto Nalón Civil Protection, traveled to Valencia with part of his team just a few days after the catastrophe.

Four months later, he assures that nothing more could be done, although coordination could have been improved. He also emphasizes the importance of more comprehensive training and the recognition of the voluntary role they play.

Currently, his team consists of 30 volunteers, of whom only 20 are active. He believes that Civil Protection has ceased to interest young people, which could compromise the continuity of the service in the future.

The lack of new recruits and the aging of current members are two challenges that, according to Álvarez, require an urgent solution.

The volunteers have expressed their concern about the lack of resources and institutional support. Despite their selfless effort, they often have to face emergencies without adequate material or an efficient organizational structure.

'Operation Moncada' was an example of their commitment, but it also highlighted the need for greater investment in training and resources.

An Event Marked by Recognition and Surprise

Operation Moncada highlighted the essential role of Civil Protection volunteers in emergency management.

Today, these unsung heroes received well-deserved recognition for their effort and dedication. However, the day also left an unusual image that will undoubtedly be remembered by all present.

In addition to the unusual episode between the Government delegate and the UME general, the event served to reinforce the importance of volunteering.

The relationship between the UME and the Government Delegation in Valencia was sealed with an intense look that has given much to talk about. Perhaps what tragedies have united, man will not separate.