ORIHUELA — Orihuela City Council has unveiled new resources for its Local Police force, including three off-road vehicles and a state-of-the-art drone, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and improving emergency response, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The presentation was led by Mayor Pepe Vegara, Councillor for Public Safety Mónica Pastor, Councillor for Civil Protection and Emergencies Víctor Valverde, and Local Police Chief Rubén Selma. They were joined by Regional Minister for Emergencies and Interior Juan Carlos Valderrama and Director General for Innovation in Emergencies Miriam Gil Pascual, who were in Orihuela for the launch of a regional emergency awareness initiative promoted by the Valencian government.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities
The Local Police have incorporated three new off-road vehicles, acquired through a leasing system, which will reinforce services along the coast and in rural districts of the municipality. The vehicles are equipped for complex interventions, including winches, enabling access and operations in difficult terrain.
In addition, the force has deployed a next-generation drone, which will support:
- Security operations at public events
- Traffic accident reconstruction
- Emergency and disaster response
The drone is expected to significantly improve surveillance, coordination, and situational awareness.
Focus on Prevention and Emergency Preparedness
Mayor Vegara stressed that prevention is essential for effective emergency response, noting that the new equipment will enable officers to perform their duties more efficiently. He referenced the 2024 Valencia DANA (severe weather event) as a key example of the importance of having adequate resources to respond quickly in complex scenarios.
Two of the vehicles will be assigned to outlying districts and Orihuela Costa, while a third has been adapted for use by a future canine unit.
Councillor Mónica Pastor highlighted that the investment reflects the government’s strong commitment to public safety, emphasizing not only response capabilities but also preventive measures, particularly in a municipality exposed to flood risks.
Lessons from Past Emergencies
Police Chief Rubén Selma underscored the practical value of such equipment, recalling the involvement of Orihuela officers during the 2024 Valencia DANA, where they volunteered to assist affected municipalities.
“These vehicles allowed us to access areas that were otherwise unreachable. Thanks to features like the winch, we were able to remove vehicles and clear streets,” Selma explained.
He also noted the gratitude shown by residents in affected areas, some of whom even offered to cover fuel costs as a gesture of appreciation.
“To be effective in emergencies, you must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios. This investment in resources is essential to ensure we can act when needed,” Selma concluded.
