Unit for Rapid Deployment marks 25 years in Bitola; minister pledges modernisation

The Unit for Rapid Deployment (URD) marked its 25th anniversary in a ceremony before the Officer’s House in Bitola, highlighting its evolution since 2001 and plans for further technical upgrades and staff training.

“Since its establishment in 2001 until today, the URD has traveled a long developmental path and has grown into a highly professional, mobile, trained and operationally ready police formation,” said Minister Panche Toshkovski.

Toshkovski underlined that the URD is one of the key pillars of the country’s security system and stressed that modern organised crime demands new approaches and up-to-date technology.

“When a situation requires a rapid response, a high level of preparedness, discipline, coordination and professionalism, the members of this unit are where they are most needed. In complex police operations, in support of other organisational units, when securing persons and facilities, during disturbances of public order and peace on a larger scale, in situations that require significant police capacities, but also whenever citizens and the state face challenges that require a rapid, organised and professional response,” Toshkovski said.

Tactical demonstration, specialised equipment and awards

The anniversary programme included a tactical demonstration in which URD personnel showcased their capabilities and operational readiness. Visitors were also able to inspect specialised equipment used by the unit.

A total of 33 members received commemorative plaques for 25 years of service. Dragan Atanasov was named the unit’s best member of the past year and received a certificate of appreciation. Plaques were also presented to Bitola Mayor Toni Konjanovski by Aleksandar Janev, Director of the Bureau for Public Security. Additional recognitions went to Risto Stavrevski, chief of cabinet to the interior minister; Gjorgji Bozhinov, chief of cabinet to the director of the Bureau for Public Security; and Vasko Naumovski, head of the Department for Special Police Operations.

URD commander Stojanche Nikolov described the jubilee as both a moment of pride and a reminder of the responsibilities borne by successive generations of the unit’s members, noting that behind every successful operation stand the people who build and sustain the formation daily.

Photo: MVR