The most elite unit of the Croatian police celebrates its 35th anniversary

The thirty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Anti-Terrorist Unit Lučko - the most elite unit of the Croatian police - was celebrated on Sunday at the base in Lučko, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Davor Božinović said that the unit today arouses special interest and inspires confidence.

The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths and lighting of candles at the Memorial in honor of the 41 fallen members of the unit. Among the numerous guests at the celebration were Police Director Nikola Milina with his associates, as well as the families of the fallen members and representatives of associations.

“We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the unit, which from the first day until the end of the war carried out the most difficult and sensitive tasks and thus became a legendary unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” said Božinović.

He recalled that 390 members passed through its ranks, and many were seriously wounded in the Homeland War, which speaks of the severity of the actions they carried out.

He pointed out that the most elite unit of the Croatian police, ATJ Lučko, participated in establishing order in rebel areas, and in the final operations, especially in "Flash" and "Storm", it had one of the most demanding roles.

“Their unit still arouses special interest and inspires confidence. The government has so far invested more than 95 million euros in the special police, and the members themselves participate in the selection of equipment,” the minister emphasized.

ATJ Lučko - 41 members killed and 52 wounded

The commander of the unit, Mate Bilobrk, said that the members are proud of everything they have done since 1990.

“In memory of the 41 killed and 52 wounded, we are doing everything we can to make the path even easier for those who come after us,” he said.

He emphasized that the unit is constantly raising standards and criteria, and transforming experiences from the Homeland War and international exercises into skills and knowledge for the future and security of citizens. He thanked the families of the fallen members for the sacrifice they made.

Unit leader Damir Sladin recalled the establishment of the unit and its first actions. He emphasized that Lučko has been a symbol of resistance and victory since 1990. He recalled the unit's role in Pakrac, Plitvice, Maslenica, Medak Pocket, in "Flash" and "Storm", as well as its three-year stay on Velebit.

The Lučko anti-terrorist unit was founded on September 7, 1990, as the first organized armed formation for special purposes of the Croatian state. During its three-year stay on Velebit, it made an immeasurable contribution to the liberation of occupied areas.

“Today it is considered one of the elite units of the Croatian police, known internationally for its expertise, courage and readiness to carry out the most complex tasks,” it was emphasized.

Members of ATJ Lučko '90: We are sad and proud

“Sad and proud. Sad that we are not all here, but proud of the youth who are lined up here and guard what we have done,” said Zoran Peša, president of the Association of War Members of ATJ Lučko '90.

“The first operation was the "Plitvice" operation where we had our baptism of fire. We were young. I was 21 years old, but with proper training, psychological approach, and education, we had already become elite,” emphasized Joško Gašpar, a former member of ATJ Lučko.

Source: HRT