In a note sent to Lusa, the League of Portuguese Firefighters (LBP) states that, at the age of 102, "the dean of Portuguese firefighters and a remarkable example of dedication to the cause that, over the course of several decades, he knew, like few others, to dignify".

"The man who died left the values ??with which he guided a full life, namely in the barracks where he served for more than 80 years", the note adds.

According to the LBP, Luciano Fortunato Viegas, born on 18 August, 1917, "joined the Firefighters of Melo on 1 January, 1945, fulfilling a long career of more than half a century in the active staff".

Considering that the Humanitarian Association of Voluntary Firefighters of Melo “has just lost a firefighter of reference” and that “this irreparable loss leaves the country poorer”, the League is expressing “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the leadership, the command and all the firefighters, to friends and to the community of this parish in the municipality of Gouveia, who lost a notable figure”.

Also the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, paid "a heartfelt tribute to Luciano Viegas, who was the oldest Portuguese firefighter".

In a note posted on the Presidency's website, the head of state states that at the age of 102, Chief Luciano Fortunato Viegas died, “after a long life of example and great merit, having been linked to volunteering and the Firefighters of Melo for 75 years” that “should serve as an example for all Portuguese people”.

“An example of those who started to serve the country at a time when material resources were very scarce, but when their courage and spirit of self-sacrifice proved to be unlimited,” says Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

For the President of the Republic, “the firefighters of Portugal deserve, for their history and their permanent dedication, national respect, but above all they deserve the best possible conditions so that, within the scope of their functions, they can live in full condition as firefighters, as Luciano Viegas lived until he was 102”.