BUDIMIR PAYS TRIBUTE TO KUSTURIĆ, HIGHLIGHTS HIS PROFESSIONAL AND HUMAN LEGACY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 6 /SRNA/ – The Minister of the Interior of Republika Srpska Željko Budimir said that the late Head of the Aviation Department of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior /MOI/, Boban Kusturić, was a man whose professionalism, dedication and humanity left an indelible mark on every task he led and every person he met.

"Kusturić was more than an excellent manager and a leader who, by his example, raised professional standards. His knowledge of aviation, decisiveness in making difficult decisions, and unwavering commitment to the safety of crews and passengers were the pillars on which the Directorate grew," Budimir said on the occasion of Kusturić's sudden death. Budimir stressed that under Kusturić's leadership, the Directorate became synonymous with professionalism, reliability and readiness for action in the most difficult moments. "Kusturić was especially distinguished by his humanity. Always the first to lend a helping hand, always ready to listen and understand. Thousands of firefighting flights he led saved countless homes, forests, and lives," Budimir said. He noted that during the 2014 floods, Kusturić was the first to arrive in Doboj, and later in Šamac, where he used helicopters to assist citizens and evacuate them and their children from the roofs of flooded houses. "Whenever urgent medical transport was needed, his Directorate worked tirelessly to ensure that patients reached their destination as quickly as possible. To reach the most endangered, where at that moment we could not access by land, to bring help to those who needed it most," the Minister of Interior said. Budimir pointed out that Kusturić was also a mentor to young pilots and officers, passing on knowledge and work ethics, thereby shaping generations that will continue in his path. "His passion for the profession and unwavering integrity leave a lasting legacy that we will proudly preserve and develop," Budimir said. Budimir stated that he received the news of Kusturić's untimely death with indescribable sadness and extended condolences to his family. "We share the pain over the loss of a man whose life and work made our community safer and more humane. He left suddenly and too early. I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and all colleagues. On behalf of the MOI and in my personal name, I express gratitude for everything he did and promise that we will continue to work with the same dedication and responsibility he deserved," Budimir said. Kusturić /52/ served as a pilot in the Army of Republika Srpska from 1997 to 2005. After that, he continued working in the Directorate for Civil Aviation of Republika Srpska as head of the SAR Helicopter Rescue Unit. He served as Director of the Helicopter Service of Republika Srpska from 2008 to April 2025, and after its reorganization and the establishment of the Aviation Directorate, he served as its Head. He was awarded the Order of Miloš Obilić by the President of Republika Srpska.