Host Organisational Team

Miroslav Rade

Event director

A veteran of the Croatian Homeland War and a dedicated fire and rescue professional, Miroslav Rade has been a cornerstone of the Karlovac firefighting community for decades. Born in Karlovac in 1968, Miroslav served his country with distinction as a platoon commander in the 129th Brigade from 1991 to 1993.

Following his military service, he began his career in fire and rescue in 1993, graduating from the firefighting school in 1994. He holds a master’s degree as a Professional Specialist Safety Engineer. Miroslav has served as the Commander of the Karlovac Public Fire Department since 2010.

A true pioneer in the Croatian rescue community, Miroslav initiated the Croatian Firefighting Association’s membership in the World Rescue Organisation (WRO). He is also the driving force behind the Croatia Rescue Challenge and has been instrumental in bringing this year’s World Rescue Challenge to Croatia. Miroslav is a proud husband and father of two.

Tin Butala

Media and sponsors lead

My name is Tin Butala, and I am honored to be your PR and communicator with sponsors for this year’s World Rescue Challenge, right here in my hometown of Karlovac, Croatia.

I was born on April 20, 1990, in Karlovac, and this city has been the foundation of my life and career. My journey in emergency services began at a young age when I completed firefighting school in 2009. Since 2013, I have been a proud member of the Public Fire Department of Karlovac, where I currently serve as a group leader.

To further my expertise and commitment to safety, I earned a master’s degree in **occupational safety and fire protection**. This educational background, combined with my on-the-ground experience, allows me to approach rescue operations with both practical skill and a deep theoretical understanding.

My dedication to the firefighting community extends beyond my local role. I am a representative for the Croatian firefighting community in both the **CTIF Commission for Rescue and New Technologies** and the **World Rescue Organisation (WRO)**. These roles allow me to contribute to the advancement of rescue techniques and technologies on a global scale.

In addition to my professional duties, I am an active member of the **Karlovac Technical Rescue Team**. Since 2022, I have been competing in the extrication discipline, constantly pushing myself and my team to hone our skills and be the best we can be.

Beyond my work, I am a family man—happily married with one son. My family is my greatest motivation, and they remind me daily of the importance of the work we do—protecting communities and saving lives.

I am thrilled to connect with all of you and share the excitement of the World Rescue Challenge. This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of rescue professionals around the globe, and it is a privilege to play a part in it.

Dorijan Talajić

Extrication coordinator

My name is Dorijan Talajić, and I was born on May 16, 1989. In 2014, I completed my firefighting education, and the following year, I began my career with the Public Fire Department of the City of Karlovac. Currently, I hold the position of group leader. This year, in 2025, I completed my university degree in occupational safety and health.

Since 2022, I have been a proud member of the Karlovac technical rescue team. On a personal note, I am a husband and a father to a wonderful one-year-old son.

I have a great deal of experience with rescue challenges. I served as the pit manager for all three Croatian rescue challenges, and I am honored to be the pit coordinator for extrication at this year’s World Rescue Challenge.

Marijo Luketić

Logistic coordinator

Marijo Luketić, born in Karlovac on September 12, 1971, is a dedicated professional with a long and distinguished career in emergency services. His commitment to public safety began during the Croatian Homeland War, where he served as an artillery unit commander in the Croatian military.

In 1994, he transitioned his focus to firefighting, joining the Public Fire Department of the City of Karlovac. He completed his firefighting education in 1995 and has been a cornerstone of the department ever since, serving as a shift leader since 2013. His expertise is further underscored by his Master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Fire Protection.

Marijo’s extensive experience extends to technical rescue. A member of the Karlovac Technical Rescue Team since 2022, he also serves as the logistics lead for Croatian rescue challenges and will be the logistics coordinator for the upcoming World Rescue Challenge 2025 in Croatia.

When not on duty, Marijo is a devoted husband and father to two daughters. His life’s work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country.

Dario Čohan:

Extrication pit coordinator

A Life Dedicated to Rescue and Service

Dario Čohan, born on August 10, 1990, in Karlovac, Croatia, has dedicated his life to the noble and demanding field of firefighting and rescue. His journey is a testament to his commitment, skill, and passion for serving his community and beyond.

Dario’s path began with a solid foundation in the principles of emergency response. In 2016, he successfully completed his firefighting education, a crucial step that equipped him with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for the challenges ahead. This academic achievement was the springboard for his professional career.

In 2020, Dario joined the Public Fire Department of the City of Karlovac (Javna vatrogasna postrojba grada Karlovca). Here, he has honed his skills through hands-on experience, responding to a wide array of emergencies and contributing to the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens. His work in the department has been marked by a strong sense of duty and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Dario’s expertise and dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2024, he became a member of the elite Technical Rescue Team Karlovac, a specialized unit that tackles complex and high-stakes rescue operations. His inclusion in this team is a clear recognition of his advanced skills and ability to perform under pressure.

This year, Dario has taken on a significant role in the world of competitive rescue. He served as the Pit Manager during the Croatia Rescue Challenge, an event that brings together the best rescue teams in the country. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating the operational aspects of the competition, ensuring fairness, safety, and efficiency. His performance as Pit Manager showcased his leadership qualities and meticulous attention to detail, making him an indispensable part of the event’s success.

Building on this experience, Dario is now poised for a new and even more significant challenge. At the upcoming World Rescue Challenge in Karlovac, he will be coordinating the pits for the extrication discipline. This prestigious international event will see teams from all corners of the globe competing in realistic and demanding rescue scenarios. As a coordinator, Dario’s role is critical: he will be responsible for managing the flow of the competition, overseeing the teams, and ensuring that the high standards of the event are maintained. His experience, both as a rescuer and as a manager, makes him uniquely qualified to handle the pressures and complexities of this role.

Dario Čohan’s story is one of continuous growth, from a student of firefighting to a leader on the international stage. His career exemplifies the spirit of public service and the unwavering dedication required to excel in the world of rescue. His contributions to the Karlovac community and his pivotal role in the World Rescue Challenge 2025 solidify his reputation as a true professional and a committed public servant.

Darko Cipurić

Trauma coordinator

Hello, my name is Darko Cipurić, and I’m honored to be participating in the upcoming World Rescue Challenge here in my hometown of Karlovac, Croatia. Born on May 30, 1986, I’ve dedicated my professional life to emergency medicine.

I am a senior medical technician with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a journey that began with my graduation from the secondary medical school in Karlovac in 2005. I furthered my education at the University of Applied Sciences in Rijeka, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2023.

For the past 18 years, I have been working at the Karlovac County Institute of Emergency Medicine, where I serve as both a medical technician and a driver. My experience in this field is extensive, and I’m also a certified instructor for BLS (Basic Life Support) and AVD.

Since 2022, I have been a proud member of the Karlovac Rescue Team, serving as a medic. My involvement in rescue challenges is not new; I’ve had the privilege of serving as the medical coordinator for all three of the previous Croatia rescue challenges. This year, I am excited to take on the role of coordinating the trauma challenge at the World Rescue Challenge.

When I’m not focused on my work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Monika. I am committed to bringing my extensive experience and dedication to this competition, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Mateo Trop

Director of operation

Hi, I’m Mateo Trop, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming World Rescue Challenge 2025 here in my hometown of Karlovac.

I was born on August 6, 1994, and my journey as a firefighter began after I graduated from firefighting school in 2015. That same year, I started working for the Public Fire Department of the City of Karlovac, where I’m currently a group leader. In 2025, I completed my studies in occupational safety and fire protection, furthering my expertise.

I’m a representative for the Croatian Firefighting Association in the CTIF Commission for extrication and new technologies, and I also serve as a representative for the World Rescue Organization. At this year’s World Rescue Challenge, I’ll be stepping into the role of Director of Operations, and I’m honored to be part of such a significant event.

When I’m not on duty, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Anamarija. I’m excited for what this challenge will bring and to see all the teams in action.

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