The Mossos d'Esquadra's Terres de l'Ebre Police Region held its annual Esquadres Day ceremony on Thursday at the Ràpita Exhibition Pavilion. The event honoured police commitment, professional careers, and constant dedication. La Ràpita was chosen as the location because it was one of the municipalities most affected by Storm Alice last year, according to officials. The day also served to thank all professionals who ensure safety in the territory daily.
During the commemoration, 97 internal commendations and four external ones were awarded, along with six decorations. These included two for meritorious actions, one for professional career, and three external awards. Several institutional recognitions were also given, with seven plaques, a bronze figure, four commemorative plaques, and eight acknowledgements. Finally, a memento was presented to the families of two deceased Mossos officers.
Acts of Bravery Recognised
Among the distinguished actions was that of an officer from the Tortosa police station. On 11 November 2025, this officer saved the life of a lorry driver involved in an accident on the AP-7 motorway in L'Aldea. The officer and their partner were the first police unit to arrive at the scene. After securing the area, they found the driver trapped in the cabin with two broken legs, as fire dangerously approached. Facing imminent risk, the officer acted quickly and bravely, extracting the victim before the flames reached the vehicle.
Another meritorious action recognised this year involved a corporal and an officer who rescued a family suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning in Amposta on 29 April 2025. The incident began with a 112 call reporting that several family members felt dizzy inside their home. Upon arrival, officers found a semi-conscious man, who was then evacuated by medical services.
The corporal then re-entered the home to rescue a two-year-old child, bringing her to safety. Subsequently, with the arrival of firefighters, the mother was safely rescued. Both adults were taken to hospital in a serious condition, while the child was unharmed.
Regional Police Chief Praises Dedication
Joan Carles de la Monja, the head of the Terres de l'Ebre Police Region, praised the work of the Mossos d'Esquadra in the area. He highlighted their rigour, commitment, and deep knowledge of the territory and its people. De la Monja stressed that these professionals are rooted in the region, understanding its social reality and particularities. This, he explained, helps them offer a more personal, humane, and effective service to citizens.
The superintendent also pointed to good safety figures in Terres de l'Ebre, with a 6% reduction in crime. However, he cautioned that "citizens do not live by percentages, but by what they perceive on the street and what they experience daily." He emphasised the need to continue working hard against crime to strengthen public trust and achieve good results through police work.
Crime Statistics and Future Priorities
Focusing on 2025 data, the number of criminal acts reached 7,864. The largest portion, around 5,000 incidents, involved property crimes, which saw an 11% reduction. "The area of crimes against persons concerns us because there is a rebound of 1,679 incidents, and this is where we need to focus and reinforce special attention," the superintendent detailed. Sexual assaults and abuses increased to 88 incidents, and de la Monja stated that "gender and domestic violence is our clear priority for the coming months."
"The Mossos d'Esquadra force is growing year after year, and this increase leads to good data," the superintendent added. He acknowledged that it is a complicated time due to "many polarising discourses, which is not an issue we can influence." He made it clear that "this is generating some public dissatisfaction, and we want to convey that in Terres de l'Ebre, we are working with great rigour."
