Dear colleagues,
As part of the ongoing activities of Project 100 – Strengthening of Front Line Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures in South East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) organized by the MasterCBRNe of University of Rome Tor Vergata in cooperation with MAECI , on March 19, 2025, the international delegation visited the Scuola di Formazione Operativa di Montelibretti of the Italian National Fire and Rescue Service (Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco - CNVVF).
The day’s agenda was opened and moderated by Vice Commander Dr. Engineer Antonio Boccamazzo, whom we warmly thank for his hospitality and coordination throughout the visit. The morning session, held in the impressive amphitheatre hall of the school, featured a series of theoretical lectures:
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Dr. Engineer Salvatore Corrao (CNVVF), who provided a comprehensive overview of CBRNe risks;
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Dr. Gian Marco Ludovici (Thermo Fisher Scientific), who presented the use of the open-source STEM software for epidemiological analysis;
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Dr. Daniele Lapa (Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases), who discussed PPE donning and doffing procedures in biologically contaminated zones and the principles of BSL3 and BSL4 practices. His lecture included hands-on demonstrations which were particularly appreciated by the delegates.
In the afternoon, under the coordination of Dr. Engineer Edoardo Cavalieri D’Oro, a practical exercise was conducted using the CNVVF’s CBRNe Mobile Laboratory. This state-of-the-art unit is capable of rapid deployment near emergency zones and operates with full functional autonomy, providing analytical results within a short timeframe from sample reception. The laboratory is an integral asset of CNVVF’s operational readiness.
The delegation also toured the Montelibretti training campus, which plays a critical role in national preparedness. The school is responsible for designing and delivering a wide range of professional training programs for CNVVF personnel. These include:
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Operational training for probationary firefighters (VV.F.PP.);
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Practical training for Fire Inspectors and Directors (I.A. and D.A.);
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Courses for internal promotions to Squad Leaders (C.S.) and Section Chiefs (C.R.);
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Instructor training across all CNVVF specializations;
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Driving courses for standard and special CNVVF vehicles;
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Training for airport firefighters;
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Specialization courses in S.A.F. (Speleo-Alpine-Fluvial) rescue techniques;
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Firefighting training for emergency teams under Italian legislation (D. Lgs. 81/08);
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NBC-R (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Radiological) risk training.
Key training facilities include:
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Smoke chamber tunnel system;
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Wells and tunnels complex;
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LPG training installations (cylinder and flange);
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Liquid hydrocarbon storage tank system;
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Fuel loading canopy simulator;
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"Fire House" structure;
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Naval firefighting simulator ("Ship Trainer");
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Subway simulation facility;
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Outdoor training grounds.
Additional training stations offer hands-on use of CNVVF’s technical equipment, such as:
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Thermal lance
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Rescue cutting tools (mototroncatrice, cesoia e divaricatore)
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Motor pumps and generators
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Ifex systems
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Lifting cushions
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Chainsaws
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Extinguishers
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Tirfor systems
The visit was an extraordinary opportunity for the Project 100 delegates to witness firsthand the professionalism, advanced capabilities, and extensive preparedness of the Italian Fire and Rescue Service.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the lecturers, trainers, and CNVVF personnel who contributed to this valuable day of learning and exchange. Their expertise and dedication significantly enriched the experience of all participants.
This visit aligns with the strategic objectives of Project 100, coordinated by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), which seeks to enhance biosafety and biosecurity at the borders and customs zones of SEEE partner countries through capacity-building, technical support, and the promotion of international collaboration.
Participating countries in Project 100 include: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Together, through shared knowledge and practical training, we continue to build a safer, more secure region for all.
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