Martin Hoffmann new city fire inspector: Giessen fire department has voted!

Martin Hoffmann new city fire inspector: Giessen fire department has voted!

The fire department in Giessen has a new city fire inspector. Martin Hoffmann was elected on November 2, 2025 at the extraordinary joint annual general meeting in the Hazard Prevention Center and was able to win the trust of 81 of 88 voting members. This election was of great importance as the position had been vacant since Jörg Bindhardt's resignation in November 2024. Bindhardt had resigned for personal reasons, and during the vacancy his deputy Michael Fritze took over the official duties, but did not stand for election. With Hoffmann at the helm, the fire department now once again has a strong contact person for the concerns of fire department members vis-à-vis the city and the head of the professional fire department.

Participation in the election was high – 88 people cast their votes. The results show that there was some controversy: six votes were against Hoffmann and one abstained. This raises questions about the challenges that lie ahead. In addition to Hoffmann, two deputies were also elected who will look after the fire department's needs for the next five years.

The new deputies

Marcel Lüst received 69 yes votes and was thus elected as first deputy, while Markus Hild received clear support as second deputy with 87 votes and only one abstention. The city fire inspector traditionally has two deputies, and with this selection of managers a strong team has been formed that will master the challenges and tasks of the Giessen fire departments.

In connection with the elections, Winfried Wagenbach also demonstrated his commitment as spokesman for the Honors and Retirement Department. He received the votes of all twelve members of this department and shows that the older members of the fire department are also an important part of the overall concept. Over the next five years, this leadership team will develop strategies to ensure the safety and efficiency of the Giessen fire department.

The role of the city fire inspector

The position of city fire inspector is more than just a title. He is the contact person for the fire department members and the link between them and the city administration. In this regard, Hoffmann will be required to raise his voice and represent the interests of the fire department. The challenges are diverse, from strategic planning to the daily operational readiness of the firefighters.

The trust that is placed in Hoffmann is great, and with him at the helm, the Gießen fire department is on the right track into the future. The firefighters and the city can look forward to active years in which Hoffmann and his team will set the course for further successful operations. With a breath of fresh air and a good knack for leadership tasks, he will do everything in his power to not only lead the Giessen fire departments, but also to further develop them.

The election brings several new dynamics for the Gießen fire department, which can now get to work with fresh enthusiasm. What this actually means for the security situation in the region remains to be seen. It remains exciting to see how the new management team will develop and what measures will be taken to improve operational readiness and equipment.

Interested citizens are invited to find out about further developments in this area and to actively participate in the discussion about the Giessen fire department. Because as they say: “There’s something going on – and together we’ll tackle it!”