The traditional comradeship evening of the Idar-Oberstein volunteer fire department took place on Saturday at Fire Station 1. In addition to honors and promotions, two new fire engines were officially put into service.
Two new vehicles for the fire department
Two new fire engines were officially put into service with the symbolic handover of the vehicle keys. The variety of operations and the number of deployments of the volunteer fire department are becoming more and more extensive. In order to adapt the operational capability to these developments, it is essential to provide the volunteer firefighters with adequate vehicles and equipment.
For this reason, an all-terrain pickup truck with a loading area has now been purchased for rescuing people from rough terrain. This vehicle, which is stationed at Fire Station 3 as a command vehicle, can also be used to quickly gather crucial tactical information in the event of forest fires, even along small forest paths. The vehicle is also able to transport pumps and hoses to streams or ponds that cannot be reached by large vehicles. The costs for the vehicle, including the fire department equipment and radio, amounted to 57,000 euros, of which the Birkenfeld National Park district contributed 33,333 euros. Furthermore, in October, more than two years after the order was placed, the new rescue fire fighting vehicle (HLF 20) for fire station 2 was finally received. The vehicle is a replacement for the now 24-year-old 16/12 fire engine, which can now be sold. The total cost of the HLF 20, including equipment and radio, amounted to 478,000 euros. The city of Idar-Oberstein can once again participate in ADD funding programs and is expected to receive a grant of 84,000 euros for the vehicle according to the fixed-amount overview of vehicles.
Thanks for outstanding voluntary commitment
In his speech, Mayor and Head of the Fire Department Friedrich Marx emphasized that the firefighters have to deal with a wide variety of deployment scenarios throughout the year: "Although our fire department works on a voluntary basis, the handling of operations is always characterized by a high level of professionalism. Our firefighters are ready for action at any time of day or night and have rescued many people from emergencies over the past year. You can rely on them 100 percent." The town of Idar-Oberstein is proud of the achievements of its volunteer fire department, said Mayor Marx, who thanked the firefighters for their selfless and courageous commitment. It therefore goes without saying that the council and administration support the fire department even in financially difficult times and ensure their operational readiness.
Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf also praised the achievements of the fire department in his welcoming address, "which go far beyond the norm." This is only possible thanks to the strong cohesion and community within the volunteer fire department, which is an indispensable institution in the city of Idar-Oberstein: "We know that we can count on you."
In his operational and activity report, head of the fire brigade Jörg Riemer looked back on an eventful year. A total of 310 alarms led to 271 deployments. "On average, our comrades are on duty every 36 hours. And these missions often demand everything from them when it comes to rescuing people from dangerous situations." In addition to the operations, there are also regular drills, services and training courses. All of this is currently carried out by 176 active firefighters. In addition, there are a total of 42 members of the youth fire department at the four fire stations, who are being prepared for active fire department. "That's why our youth work is so important, because 85 percent of our active firefighters come from the youth fire department. There are virtually no lateral entrants," emphasized Fire Chief Riemer, who thanked the youth wardens for their valuable commitment to the next generation.
In his welcoming address, deputy fire and disaster control inspector Armin Schneider pointed out that such camaraderie evenings are good opportunities to recognize the achievements of the fire department and strengthen the community. At the same time, he emphasized that mutual operational support within the district is becoming increasingly important.
Honors for special services
After the speeches, honors for special achievements were on the agenda. Dominik Olck, Head of Public Relations of the Rhineland-Palatinate Youth Fire Service, honored several youth wardens for their commitment to training young firefighters. Felix Schöneck (youth warden of fire station 2) was awarded the Rhineland-Palatinate Youth Fire Service's bronze medal of honor and Eric Dunkel (youth warden of fire station 4) was awarded the gold medal of honor. City youth fire department warden Bernhard Rothenberger was even awarded the silver badge of honor of the German youth fire department.
Firefighter Andreas Borger and firefighters Karsten Borger, Johannes Fritsch, Kelvin Klein and Fabian Willrich were awarded the Bronze Badge of Honor for 15 years of active, loyal service with the fire department
Fire Chief Philip Edinger, Chief Fire Officer Sascha Reichardt, Fire Chief Andreas Rissling and Chief Fire Officer Georg Werner were awarded the Silver Fire Brigade Badge of Honor for 25 years of service with the fire department.
Chief Fire Officer Torsten Frahm and Chief Fire Officer Peter Späth were awarded the Golden Fire Brigade Badge of Honor for 35 years of service with the fire department.
Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Frank Knapp, Chief Fire Officer Jörg Riemer, Chief Fire Officer Karl-Albert Schneider and Chief Fire Officer Ralf Steuer have been actively involved for 45 years. They were awarded the Golden Fire Brigade Badge of Honor with a gold-colored border and oak leaf wreath.
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate only recognizes awards up to the 45th year of service in the fire department. The city of Idar-Oberstein therefore created a special award for two firefighters who have been actively serving for 50 years. It was awarded to Chief Fire Officer Martin Kuttler and Chief Fire Officer Hans-Jörg Lofi, who have both been active in the fire department for half a century now.
The emotional highlight of the evening was the retirement of two long-serving firefighters from active service. Torsten Frahm and Martin Kuttler were relieved of their duties as active firefighters to standing, prolonged applause from those present. They received special gifts from the fire department management and their comrades as thanks.
Promotions and appointments
After honoring long-serving firefighters, junior firefighters Franz Backes, Jan Bender, Jonas Bender, Markus Berner, Jan-Hendrick Brusius, Heinz Engel, Elias Junker, Johanna Junker, Thomas Kirschberger, Svenja Kirschberger, Lena Klein, Maja Koop, Anton Renken, Philip Risch, Finja Schütz, Niclas Stiltz, Silas Stiltz, Sajah Tamim and Christoph Zimmermann were signed up for active fire department.
A number of firefighters were also promoted and appointed to new positions:
Merle Fuhr was appointed firewoman, Jürgen Barwich, Malte Kruschel and Jan Mayer were appointed fireman.
Lisa Fleischhacker, Maja Hartenberger, Hannah Veeck, Jana Mehler and Michelle Molter were promoted to senior firefighter, Torben Herberts, Tom Kluge, Maik Maring, Matteo Maring, Fabian Peter, Luca Schmidt, Tobias Stingl and
Elias Witt appointed senior firefighter.
Miquel Barth, Raphael Heich and Jahe Hoxha were appointed as chief firefighters:
Adrian Bender, Oliver Hahn, Kelvin Klein, Alexander Messer, Devin Silva and Fabian Willrich were appointed fire chiefs.
Christian Kirsch was appointed fire chief.
At the end of the official part of the event, the members of the retirement and honorary department were presented with gifts.