By: J.S., STA
The national award for volunteers for 2021 went to Tonček Smolej, a mountain rescue volunteer who has been active for over 50 years.
Smolej was presented the honour by President Borut Pahor at the Presidential Palace. Smolej already became a leading figure in mountain rescue circles in 1982 when he was put in charge of the Radovljica mountain rescue station. He has been involved in more than 1,000 rescue operations and has led the air rescue commission for the last 16 years.