Loznica honors the memory of Nikola Krsmanovic, a police officer killed in a terrorist attack by Faton Hajrizi

Two years after Nikola Krsmanovic's death, Loznica continues to honor the memory of the police officer who was killed in the line of duty by an Albanian terrorist. In his memory, family members, friends and colleagues gathered yesterday at a memorial tournament, with a message that the community does not forget its heroes.

Serbia remembers Nikola Krsmanovic as a uniformed police officer who lost his life in the line of duty. His family and friends remember him differently, as a smiling young man and a good friend who loved playing football more than anything. That is why his memory continues to be preserved through the sport.

„A tournament is held every year in his memory, and we will continue to organize it as long as the club exists. His jersey has been retired. He wore number two, and no other player will wear that jersey in matches for as long as the 14 October football club exists“, Vasilije Vasic, his colleague and friend, told RTS.

In the center of Draginac, local residents and the local government erected a memorial fountain, while the street where he lived now bears his name. A mural at the entrance to the village serves as another reminder of him.

„The City of Loznica named the street where he lived after him. It is called Police Officer Nikola Krsmanovic Street. His absence is immeasurable and can never be made up for, but we will strive to preserve his memory through our actions and decisions“, said Nikola Aleksic, his colleague and a member of the management board of FC Draginac.

„We are trying to keep his memory alive and hope that in the years ahead we will be able to organize this with the help of good people, the City of Loznica and the Ministry of Internal Affairs“, said Branko Aleksic, his schoolmate and colleague.

Krsmanovic was posthumously awarded the Milos Obilic Gold Medal for Bravery.

On July 18, 2024, police officer Nikola Krsmanovic was killed in Loznica, while another officer was seriously wounded. Faton Hajrizi opened fire on them and was killed the following day in an armed confrontation with Serbian police forces.

On August 11, Hajrizi was buried in Kosovo, in Gornja Klina in the municipality of Srbica, in the presence of several hundred people carrying flags of the KLA, Kosovo and Albania.

Faton Hajrizi had previously been convicted at least three times for murder, attempted murder, theft, and robbery. On July 6, 2024, he escaped from a prison in Vucitrn.