Today, the Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad begins operations, offering basic rescue capabilities. This includes a 24/7 smoke diving rescue team capable of responding within 60 seconds, equivalent to the response time of professional firefighters.

According to Tallinn Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja, investments in safety and creating a sense of security have increasingly become a shared responsibility in recent years. “Volunteers and local municipalities have long played a significant role in rescue services across Estonia. Now, we are achieving this in Tallinn, and the cooperation between the city, the Estonian Rescue Board, and volunteers will only strengthen. The city supports the Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad significantly, but their presence and capabilities are crucial for Põhja-Tallinn,” Oja added.

The City of Tallinn funds the activities of volunteer firefighters through both targeted and project-based financing. This year, the city has allocated 250,000 euros for the association's operational support. Under an agreement with the Estonian Rescue Board, Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad will receive equipment, training, regular funding, and support.

The historic Kopli fire station at Ankru 12 will become the Tallinn Volunteer Rescuers Center, a collaborative effort between the city and volunteers. In addition to housing the volunteer rescue squad, the center will host non-profit organizations focused on maintaining city safety and security.

Marko Rüü, head of the Northern Regional Rescue Service, expressed his satisfaction with the addition to the unified rescue network and that the Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad is starting operations at the same location where the professional squad ceased activities four months ago. “Estonia now has 118 volunteer rescue squads, but Kopli is the first within a major city. The cooperation between professional and volunteer firefighters will undoubtedly enhance the sense of security for Põhja-Tallinn residents. I commend MTÜ Tallinn Volunteer Rescue and the City of Tallinn for their contribution to community safety,” said Rüü.

Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad Chief Raoul Raidna explained that the squad's activities focus on three main areas: participating in rescue operations in Tallinn and beyond, prevention and community work, and contributing to Tallinn's crisis preparedness and civil protection efforts. “Kopli volunteer firefighters will respond to rescue events dispatched by the Emergency Response Centre within a minute. The squad's core equipment includes a fire and rescue vehicle, 'Kopli 31,' equipped with smoke diving gear, life-saving tools, and fire suppression equipment. The vehicle also carries tools for responding to traffic accidents,” Raidna explained.

Due to budget cuts in the Estonian Board, the Kopli Rescue Squad was closed at the beginning of 2024, leaving the historic fire station empty and compromising area safety. Following the closure of the professional squad, the Tallinn City Government began establishing a volunteer rescue squad. The non-profit organization Tallinn Volunteer Rescue was founded to lead this effort, creating the Kopli Volunteer Rescue Squad. The city's partner in this endeavor is MTÜ Tallinna Vabatahtlike Päästjate Keskus (NGO Tallinn Volunteer Rescuers Center), jointly established by MTÜ Vabatahtlik Reservpäästerühm (Volunteer Rescue Group), Tallinna Tuletõrjeühing (Tallinn Firefighting Association), and Lilleküla Vabatahtlik Pääste (Lilleküla Volunteer Rescue).