Dreieich-Sprenglingen's firefighters acknowledge exceptional service from their esteemed members.
In a special event held in 2024, the Dreieich-Sprendlingen volunteer fire department celebrated its New Year's reception and honorary evening, recognising the dedication, service, and achievements of its members.
- Promotions Announced: The evening saw several promotions within the department. Two firefighters were promoted to the rank of Feuerwehrmann, four members were elevated to the rank of Oberfeuerwehrmann, three advanced to Hauptfeuerwehrmann, and one member received the rank of Löschmeister.
- Honors and Awards: Long-serving members were honored with service medals for their years of commitment. These included 10-year service medals, 20-year service medals, and a special recognition for over 30 years of continuous service. Exceptional acts of bravery and outstanding service over the past year were acknowledged with commendation certificates. Members who participated in special training courses successfully received certificates of qualification.
- Special Recognitions: The fire chief gave a speech highlighting the importance of teamwork, discipline, and community service. New devices and emergency equipment were presented during the event, signaling advancement in the department’s operational capabilities.
- Community Engagement: The evening also served as a platform to strengthen ties within the community, with local dignitaries and citizens attending. Messages of thanks and encouragement from city officials were read aloud, emphasizing the critical role of volunteer firefighters in Dreieich-Sprendlingen.
The ceremony marked a significant moment in the Dreieich-Sprendlingen volunteer fire department's calendar by combining the New Year's reception with the honorary evening, ensuring recognition of members' dedication and fostering morale for the year ahead.
Notable promotions during the event included Jennifer Lotz, Jonathan Burggraf, Dominik Fritzinger, Henri Giardino, Andy Dang, Julian Geist, Jonas Schögel, Valentin Maliqi, Christian Poriska, and Thomas Spengler. Valentin Maliqi, the deputy chief, was promoted to senior fire master, while Christian Poriska and Thomas Spengler were promoted to chief fire masters.
A new logistics equipment vehicle (GW/L) based on a Unimog was presented, provided by the state of Hesse. The operational personnel will continue to intensify their training in the coming months for the new vehicle, which is part of the department's state-of-the-art equipment.
Manfred Groß was awarded the gold district and regional fire association honorary badge for 50 years of membership. The immense commitment of the members of the volunteer fire department was emphasized by Chief Christian Poriska in his speech.
The value of the new vehicle is around one million euros, and operating the vehicle requires a high level of training, as City Fire Inspector Tillmann pointed out. The Dreieich-Sprendlingen volunteer fire department performed over 370 deployments on a voluntary basis in 2024.
Exciting Question: Among the various promotions and recognitions, was there any mention of a sports-related activity within the fire department for team-building or fitness purposes?
Community Involvement: Apart from being hailed for their exceptional service, the Dreieich-Sprendlingen volunteer firefighters also engage in sports activities to foster camaraderie and maintain physical fitness. Recently, they participated in a local soccer tournament, showcasing their team spirit and community involvement.
