Increase in female representation at FF Vahrendorf-Sottorf: six new recruits, four of whom are women
Vahrendorf-Sottorf Volunteer Fire Department: A Year in Review
The Vahrendorf-Sottorf Volunteer Fire Department, a crucial part of the local community, has had a busy and productive year. With a team of dedicated volunteers, the department has responded to various calls, providing essential assistance during emergencies and training to ensure they are always ready for action.
In total, the department was deployed 45 times, with 5 being fire deployments and 38 being assistance deployments. Among these deployments, it's worth noting that two were false alarms. Despite the occasional false alarm, the team remained vigilant and ready to respond at a moment's notice.
One of the most challenging times for the department was during the flooding of the Aller. The local fire station received praise for its deployment readiness, demonstrating their commitment to the community in times of crisis.
The department is made up of 53 members, including 20 women, and the average age is 32 years. One of the key contributors to the department's success is Hans-Peter Thomas, who was appointed as the deputy group leader last year and honoured for his 25 years of membership. Thomas has been involved in community training for many years and was recently thanked by the department for his contributions.
The local fire chief, Guido Dittrich, leads the team. Under his guidance, the department conducted a realistic exercise with sudden fire spread using pyrotechnics, which was organised by Lars Otten. This exercise helped the team prepare for unexpected situations and hone their skills.
In addition to their regular duties, the department also relies on the support of a local association to finance its operations. This support is essential in ensuring the department can continue to serve the community effectively.
Three members of the department, Günther Lorenzen, Heinrich Meyer, and Erhard Fast, were awarded for their 60 years of membership in the fire department. The department did not specify the time frame for these awards, nor for Hans-Peter Thomas's appointment as deputy group leader. The current deputy group leader, who retired as an honorary member in 2021, is not publicly documented.
As the Vahrendorf-Sottorf Volunteer Fire Department looks towards the future, it continues to train and prepare for any emergencies that may arise. With a dedicated team of volunteers and the support of the local community, the department is well-equipped to face whatever challenges come its way.
