Today, on the occasion of the significant jubilee marking 25 years since the establishment of the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski attended the central ceremony in Bitola dedicated to a quarter-century of existence and development of one of the most important operational units of the Macedonian police.
Since its establishment in 2001, the Rapid Deployment Unit has undergone a continuous process of development, professionalization and modernization. Over the years, as security challenges evolved, so too did its operational capabilities, tactics, equipment and standards, transforming the RDU into a highly professional, mobile and operationally ready police formation capable of responding to the most complex security situations.
In his address, Minister Toshkovski emphasized that the Unit’s current capabilities and reputation have been built by generations of police officers who, through their knowledge, experience, discipline and dedication, established the standards that are being carried forward by new generations of its members.
“Today, the RDU is much more than an organizational unit within the Ministry of Interior. It is one of the most important operational segments of the Macedonian police and one of the pillars of the country’s security system. Whenever a situation requires a rapid response, a high level of readiness, discipline, coordination and professionalism, the members of this Unit are there where they are needed most. That is precisely why the motto ‘Always and Everywhere’ is not merely a slogan, but a description of the RDU’s professional mission,” Minister Toshkovski stated.
Toshkovski stressed that contemporary security threats require a modern, professional and well-equipped police force, which is why the Ministry continues to invest in equipment, vehicles, infrastructure, modern technologies, training and the professional development of police officers.
“The results achieved by the Macedonian police today show that we are on the right path. We have the lowest crime rate in the past twenty years. This is not the result of a single operation, a single unit or a single individual, but of thousands of police officers who carry the responsibility for the safety of our citizens every day. The members of the Rapid Deployment Unit have also made a significant contribution to these results. The RDU has been and will remain one of our priorities – because the security of the country demands it,” Toshkovski emphasized.
The ceremony was also addressed by the Commander of the Rapid Deployment Unit, Stojanche Nikolov, who reflected on the RDU’s 25 years of development and on the people who have built its professional reputation over the years. He emphasized that today’s RDU is the result of generations of members who have passed on their knowledge, experience, discipline and sense of belonging to the Unit.
“For a commander, there is no greater honor than leading people whom you can trust when circumstances are at their most difficult. For me, it is a particular honor and privilege that, in the very year when the Unit marks a quarter-century of existence, I have the responsibility of serving as its commander. The RDU is not built by a single commander – it is built by its people, by all the generations who have served in its ranks and by every member who has left a part of themselves in what the Unit represents today. It is our duty to leave the Unit we inherited even better, more professional and stronger,” Nikolov stated.
As part of the anniversary ceremony, a tactical demonstration exercise was conducted, during which members of the Rapid Deployment Unit demonstrated their outstanding professional and operational skills, readiness, coordination and ability to operate in complex security situations, to the great satisfaction of the attending guests and citizens.
On the occasion of this major jubilee, awards were presented to friends and supporters of the Unit, as well as plaques to the RDU’s best-performing member and to police officers who have been part of the Unit since its establishment – for the full 25 years – in recognition of their long-standing dedication, professionalism and contribution to building and developing the Unit.
The commemoration of the 25th anniversary also provided an opportunity to recognize all current and former members of the RDU and, with particular respect, to honor the memory of the fallen and deceased members whose service and sacrifice remain permanently embedded in the history of the Rapid Deployment Unit and the Macedonian police
