Stadin brankkari 2024: The best thing about this job is the community

Firefighter Aki Pollari, 57, has been awarded the 2024 Stadin brankkari award. His ongoing career at the Rescue Department has lasted over 30 years.

Aki Pollari graduated from the Helsinki Rescue School course in 1993. In addition to this, he has completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In Aki’s own words, the reason why he completed a new degree was because “I wanted to use my head for something”.

Aki currently works at Konala Rescue Station. Before transferring to Konala Rescue Station, he worked as the supervisor of a fast response unit. He has also undergone training on how to run debriefing sessions.

Aki is highly respected by his colleagues. In the selection comments, it is stated multiple times that Aki gets along with everyone and is always ready to help a colleague. In addition to this, Aki's professional skills and calm demeanor are highly valued by his shiftmates. He is a person to whom it is easy for younger firefighters to turn in the event of problems.

Aki is described as an upstanding guy: he is a man of principle and dependable in all circumstances. Another notable characteristic is his humanity: Aki treats all customers and colleagues with humanity and respect. He always has time for patients and relatives during operations. He gives his full attention and listens to others.

Aki still likes his work.

“It is a very nice job with a sense of community and good team spirit. There is nothing quite like it”, he describes.

Stadin brankkari award:

Each year, the personnel of the Helsinki Rescue Department choose the person to receive the Stadin brankkari award.

The Rescue Department started to grant the award in 2011 to distinguished firefighter-paramedics, fire officers or station officers who work in the front line of rescue and emergency care services.

The choice is made based on a vote by colleagues. The criteria include professional skills, motivation, team spirit, respect, initiative, leading by example, fairness, integrity, humanity, extensive skills, excellent work performance and exceptional sacrifice, as well as commitment to the profession, the City of Helsinki and the Rescue Department.

The previous recipients of the award are

Harri Hopponen 2023
Petri Pitkäjärvi 2022
Johan Majuri 2021
Karim Lounes 2020
Valentin Haralambiev 2019
Mika Korhonen 2018
Mika Jyrkämö 2017
Sami Sotikoff 2016
Pekka Halkosaari 2015
Jyrki Oksanen 2014
Marko Tuominen 2013
Timo Aaltonen 2012
Juha Tarvainen 2011