Activity Tarnowskiej Delegation Książęco-Episcopal Assistance Committee in 1915–1917

Tarnowska delegation Książęco-episcopal Assistance Committee was officially was established on 19 August 1915 r. It was a transformation of Tarnowski Rescue Committee. This organization functioned during the First World War. Its patron was bishop of Tarnów Leon Wałęga. As part of its structure three sections: building, the orphan and food shortages were created. They were based on subsidies and donations, also from abroad. It moved to assist the most affected by the war diocese – orphans and the homeless, especially in rural areas. Delegation activity fell at the most difficult times. There was no shortage of clergy and lay people involved in helping the most needy. Institutional support was organized professionally. Thanks to the work Tarnowskiej Delegation K.B.K. many lives were saved.

As a long-term researcher and active participant in the rescue and humanitarian international aid coordination action, the author undertakes the analysis of changes that have occurred since the inception of the legal basis and international crisis coordination structures, focusing on the increasing role of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The material contains not only the analysis of normative documents and a comprehensive description of the pillars of European civil protection but also practical examples of the European mechanism’s increasing involvement in actions outside the Union over two decades and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article contains examples of material and hardware-based humanitarian aid implemented for Ukraine and a comprehensive systemic approach to Polish civil protection represented by the State Fire Service in preparation for Ukrainian representatives to be familiar with the European Civil Protection mechanism. Numerous examples of activating the mechanism from the Polish perspective are shown both from the perspective of the aid recipient (fire in Biebrza National Park in 2020) and the donor (Lebanon blast in 2020, earthquake in Nepal 2015, forest fires in France 2022 or support to Ukraine).

The research goal of the article was to show the process of providing aid by indicating the multilevel activities of the State Fire Service and Polish society during the military aggression of Russia in Ukraine. The paper analyzes the descriptions of selected aid events carried out by the local community and the officers of the State Fire Service. The analysis covered the period of February to August 2022. Theoretical methods that have been used are analysis – obtaining research material contained in the literature on the subject; synthesis – appropriate matching and integration of research material; comparison – constructing conclusions and final conclusions, generalizing, drawing conclusions. Empirical methods are the case study method and observation, and are selected in the work as a research method that allows for a broad description of a given phenomenon (providing assistance to refugees), its in-depth analysis and evaluation.