Community Service: Aiglon received the ECA Vaud - Partner Employer Label

Aiglon College is proud to announce that we have officially received the “Partner Employer Label” from the regional fire service, the ECA (Etablissement Cantonal d'Assurance) Vaud.

Last week, we were honored to welcome to campus the Commandant de bataillon Sapeur-pompier, SDIS Salines, Paul Von der Mühll and ECA Regional Inspector, David Marchetti to present the partner Label in recognition of how Aiglon has allocated resources to and demonstrated its willingness to collaborate with the local fire service.

“Thank you so much for being here today. It means a lot to welcome you to our campus” stated Nicola Sparrow, School Director. “Aiglon has supported the local fire department for over 20 years. Some of our staff volunteers are present with us today. We thank you for your service and we are proud to collaborate with the fire services.” 

The Label was presented to our School Director, in the presence of twelve Year 5 junior school students, three of our five staff volunteer firefighters, our Director of Operations and one of our HR representatives. 

“I would like to sincerely thank you and to address my utmost congratulations for the steps the school has taken to obtain this Label,” stated David Marchetti. “Aiglon has proved its willingness and solidarity by offering its employees the opportunity to volunteer with the local fire department. You contribute not only in the protection of the population but also actively support a system which is based on voluntary service, a model as demanding as it is precious.” 

ECA Vaud -  Partner Employer Label

The "Partner Employer Label” recognises organisations that employ one or more staff members who are also active as volunteer firefighters and who agree to release them from their professional obligations for emergency calls.

According to ECA Vaud, the civic-mindedness of these employers helps to ensure the sustainability of the fire and rescue service in the local community, which relies on 98% volunteer responders and could not function without them. An employee who is also active as a volunteer firefighter brings to their employer knowledge in rescue and safety and strong values that make them a valuable employee. They are professionally trained to manage urgency: capable of taking efficient and quick decision-making and a remarkable temperament. It brings into the organisation culture a mindset of solidarity and engagement. 

“The Label that you are receiving today attests that you are a modern employer, attentive to your environment, employees and the security of all” said Mr Marchetti. “By supporting the voluntary fireservice of Canton of Vaud you actively contribute to the resilience and security of our Canton”. 

The campus has also been a training environment for the fire services outside of the academic calendar. Students have also been welcome to the fire station to learn about the equipment used and procedures followed by the firefighters. 

SDIS Salines ensures the Safety of the Local Population 

Since 2007, the municipalities of Ollon, Bex, and Gryon have combined their emergency response forces into a single SDIS, the Salines. More than 180 firefighters serve within this service, which has four fire stations and 17 vehicles distributed between Ollon, Villars, Bex, and Gryon. The three municipalities cover an area of ​​171 km², stretching from the Rhône River to the Diablerets mountain range. SDIS Salines ensures the safety of a permanent population of 14,000. During the winter season, this number can reach over 35,000.

“On behalf of the SDIS Salines, I would like to extend my deep gratitude for providing the opportunity for your employees to dedicate time to the fire service. You showcase a sense of duty and a civic responsibility which deserves to be saluted,” stated Commandant de bataillon Sapeur-pompier, SDIS Salines, Paul Von der Mühll. “ Being able to count on volunteers who are trained, motivated and supported by their employer makes a real difference. Aiglon College not only develops young people, you also contribute to a whole region. This discreet but essential support reinforces our capacity to intervene quickly and efficiently night and day. It’s a gesture that is a testament to great social responsibility and deep respect for the community.” 

Aiglon's Community Engagement

The local environment is essential for the growth and development of our students. Throughout the year, students and staff are actively involved in community service.  Learn more in our ‘Notre Engagement Local Report 2024-2025’ about the school’s engagement with the local community in the Canton de Vaud.