Austria's police: 27 heroes for security at the Olympic Games!

Austria's police: 27 heroes for security at the Olympic Games!

On June 5, 2025, 27 Austrian police officers received a special award for their extraordinary use during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in France. In a festive ceremony, which was led by Federal Police Director Michael Takacs and the French ambassador Matthieu Peyraud, the importance of their work for the international security and the reputation of the Austrian police was emphasized. The Vienna Police Music ensured the musical framework of the event. Takacs spoke of the valuable international cooperation that took place at four locations in France during the games: Paris, Roissy, Lyon and Lille.

The Austrian security forces took on a variety of tasks, including border controls and the protection of sports facilities and airports. Particular attention was paid to the specialized services, which were provided by 12 explosive detectors from seven federal states, 12 patrol police officers, two defusing officers and one commander. The French ambassador praised the professionalism of the Austrian emergency services and announced interest in intensifying bilateral security cooperation, especially with regard to the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Austria at the Paralympic Games 2024

In the coming time, Austria will also be present at the Paralympic Games, which will take place in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024. According to BMI information, 16 police officers will ensure the safety of the athletes during this time. In Paris, 4,400 athletes from 184 nations will compete in a total of 22 sports. One of the most promising athletes is the BMI disabled athlete Cornelia Wibmer, who hopes for the possibility of two medals.

Austria will support the French border police at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport. In addition, two police dog handlers with explosive detection dogs were sent to the Paris police prefecture. Austria is one of the 28 countries that will contribute to the safety of the games. The French Interior Ministry plans to establish an international cooperation center for daily briefing to optimize cooperation between the various international police forces.

meaning of the security measures

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasized the importance of inclusion and the essential contribution of the "Task Force Paris 2024" to ensure security during the games. A cooperation agreement was concluded with the Austrian disabled sports association to support the promotion of disabled athletes in the security administration. The positive feedback on the operations of the Austrian police at international major events are a sign of the professionalism and reliability of the emergency services.

Maria Rauch-Kallat, President of the Austrian Paralympic Committee, emphasized the excellent security and support of the police. Wolfgang Wagner from the Austrian embassy emphasized how important security for the success of the games and bilateral relationships between Austria and France is. Meanwhile, Indra Loose-Sommer from the Federal Police Germany explained the security measures for the Germany and Team Austria team in the "House of Friends".

The "Task Force Paris 2024" was established by the Interior Ministry in cooperation with several institutions to ensure the well -being of the Austrian delegation and fans. In addition, an Austria house is organized during the Paralympic Games, which should offer further space for the presence and support of the Austrian athletes. These measures illustrate the commitment and responsibility that Austria brings in international sports traffic.