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Annual General Meeting of the volunteer fire department - honoring meritorious memberships

22.11.2024

"Honor to whom honor is due." On Wednesday, 20.11.2024, the leaders and delegates of all 14 volunteer fire departments in the city of Jena met in the historic town hall. The important work of all comrades, who work in an honorary capacity and with great commitment for the city and its people, was honored. In addition to the acting head of the fire department, Chief Fire Officer Ralf Hertig, Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche also expressed his appreciation to the men and women for their important work.

A special anniversary deserves the large fire protection badge in gold

The festive highlight of the evening was the awarding of long-serving comrades by the Free State of Thuringia and the Thuringian Fire Brigade Association. In addition to those celebrating 10 and 25 years of active service, comrades Hubert Franke, Ralf Grenzer, Matthias Steiniger and Mario Volkhardt were honored for 40 years of membership. Comrades Lothar Ratz and Ulrich Schröder were honored for 50 years of membership. There was a hush in the hall when Ralf Hertig gave the introductory speech for Walter Schröter, who was awarded the large fire protection medal in gold after more than 60 years of membership in the volunteer fire department

Review and outlook

Ralf Hertig led through the evening and looked back on the work of the past two years. The number of active members was increased to 330. The 315 alarm operations that the volunteer fire departments have dealt with so far in 2024 were also discussed. However, he also referred to problems that the Jena fire department is struggling with. For example, the training grounds that the owner has given up are sorely missed. The lack of personnel to train and support the volunteer fire departments is also taking its toll.

With a view to further complex tasks for the entire Jena fire department, improved continuity of support for the volunteer fire departments was assured. For the Jena-Zwätzen volunteer fire department, there is definitely reason to celebrate in the first half of 2025. Not only is the brand-new fire and rescue station at Egelsee set to go into operation, but two new emergency vehicles will be taken over at the same time. A clear appreciation of the work of the comrades.

Because, as the head of the Jena fire department stated: "Volunteer firefighters are not just any volunteers - they fulfill a mandatory task for the municipality. Despite having a professional fire department, you can't do without a volunteer fire department!"

In the coming months, there will also be a change of leadership at the top of the Jena fire department. In May 2025, Ralf Hertig will take his well-deserved retirement after almost 40 years of service in the Jena professional fire department.

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