Minister Anušić and General Kundid Meet with Croatian Armed Forces Members Who Assisted Civilians in Emergency Situations

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, together with the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Lieutenant Tihomir Kundid, met today, 29 January 2026, with members of the Croatian Armed Forces who distinguished themselves in emergency situations and, thanks to their military training, composure, and rapid response, provided first aid to civilians.

The Croatian Armed Forces members recognized for their actions are Sergeant Tomislav Bošnjak, Private Denisa Prohaska Vukoje, Corporal Iva Jurić, and a member of the Special Forces Command, who assisted civilians in distress and demonstrated humanity and responsibility.

Minister Anušić presented commendations to the Croatian Armed Forces members for their exceptional deeds.

Minister Anušić emphasized: “Through your actions, you have shown how Croatian soldiers behave honourably and humanely even when off duty. You are trained to respond flawlessly in crisis situations, and all four of you, through your rapid reactions and knowledge of life-saving techniques, helped those in need. We are proud of you, and you represent the best example of the Croatian Armed Forces. Conscripts who will undergo mandatory basic military training, just like you, will also be trained to respond in all crisis situations, remain composed, and provide assistance when human lives are at stake.”

General Kundid addressed the four members of the Croatian Armed Forces, saying: “Thank you for your humanity and for helping people when they needed it most. With your skills and knowledge acquired in the Croatian Armed Forces, you helped save lives. Most people, when confronted with dramatic situations, do not know how to provide aid, but we, as soldiers, are trained for such scenarios. Through your actions, you have set the best example of what the Croatian Armed Forces represent, showing both the human and humane dimension, as well as the values embodied by every Croatian soldier.”

During January 2026, four members of the Croatian Armed Forces provided first aid and assisted civilians while off duty.

Among them, a member of the Special Forces Command and a member of the Support Command helped a truck driver at the scene of a traffic accident on the motorway near Slavonski Brod on 8 January 2026.

On 22 January, Sergeant Tomislav Bošnjak of the Engineering Company, Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade, provided first aid to a passer-by who collapsed in front of a café terrace in Čepin, resuscitating him until the arrival of emergency medical services and saving his life. On the same day, Private Denisa Prohaska Vukoje of the 1st Armoured Mechanized Company “Sokolovi,” Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade, assisted a passer-by who was lying motionless in the centre of Osijek.

Members of the Croatian Armed Forces possess professional skills acquired through military training and are qualified to provide assistance in emergency situations.