Rescuer Samvel Kolyan from the Special Rescue Operations Implementation Center of the Rescue Service in a mountain rescuer-paratrooper. Having chosen the path of a rescuer and faithfully serving for many years, he was recognized as the Best Rescuer of 2024. In reality, nothing happens by chance—being a rescuer is Samvel Kolyan's mission.

"I have been implementing the service in the system for twelve years. My entry into the service was completely accidental; I didn’t even know where I was going. But later, I grew to love my job and my service", said Samvel Kolyan.

Samvel Kolyan mentioned that he has witnessed a lot in the mountains and has climbed many peaks. The accidents were different, but the feeling of saving a life is always the same: an indescribable sense of pride. When asked how many lives he has saved, he said: "That’s a difficult question; there were many rescued lives".

Samvel Kolyan's service record is exemplary. Over the past year, he has responded to more than 200 emergency calls. He demonstrated his skills at their best, particularly during the floods in Lori and Tavush.

"Despite being unwell and on leave, Samvel Kolyan voluntarily came to Alaverdi and worked tirelessly alongside citizens during the flood. While our team was in Tavush, he and his squad were in Alaverdi", said the Deputy Head of the Center for Carrying out Activities of Special Importance of the Rescue Forces Department Vahe Gevorgyan.

Samvel Kolyan has come a long way with his fellow rescuers. Together, they have participated in training sessions and rescue operations, even outside of Armenia. Over time, their professional partnership has turned into true friendship.

His colleague Vardan Vardanyan, said "Samvel is a wonderful person, caring teammate and a knowledgeable rescuer. We have been working together for eleven years, responding to emergency calls. When you’re with Samvel, you feel more confident going into a rescue mission".

Throughout his service, Samvel Kolyan has responded to various emergency calls, including floods, car accidents, and building collapses. He has also conducted both theoretical and practical training sessions, with rope descents being his personal favorite.

As the Best Rescuer of the Year, he highlights one essential trait of a great rescuer: "First and foremost, you must be a good person, guided by strong values."

Receiving the Best Rescuer title is undoubtedly a source of pride for Samvel Kolyan, but it hasn’t changed his mission. As yesterday, today and tomorrow he will continue saving lives.