The Monaco Fire and Emergency Corps welcomed Colonel Nicolas Rynine, head of France’s Civil Security Instruction and Intervention Unit No. 7 (UIISC 7), for an official visit on Wednesday, April 30.
Based in Brignoles, UIISC 7 plays a key role in emergency response across France and abroad. During his visit, Colonel Rynine was received by Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Commander of the Monaco Fire Brigade, who led a formal inspection of the fire guard and presented the Corps’ standard.
The tour included an overview of Monaco’s emergency response structure and specialised equipment, followed by a ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Palace Square and a working lunch at the fire station. Colonel Rynine was also briefed on the Principality’s Event Management and Rescue Operations Command Centre (CGECOS), as well as ongoing development projects within the unit.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts, the signing of the guest book, and a private meeting between the two commanders focused on bolstering operational and training ties.
UIISC 7, known for its rapid deployment to disasters and industrial accidents both domestically and internationally, has a longstanding partnership with Monaco’s fire brigade. Under a formal cooperation agreement, the units share training in rescue operations, hazardous incidents, drone usage, and high-risk environments, and regularly conduct joint exercises. The French unit also supports Monaco during major events like the Grand Prix.
Thanks to a bilateral agreement signed in 2004, Monegasque firefighters can integrate into French-led international missions — a collaboration that was notably activated after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The UIISC’s motto: “Serve to save.”
Image courtesy of Communications Department – Manuel Vitali
