Change at the top: Jörn Petersen new district fire chief in Harburg

Change at the top: Jörn Petersen new district fire chief in Harburg

A change in fire department command is bringing a breath of fresh air to the Harburg district. District fire chief Volker Bellmann, who has worked tirelessly in this role since 2006, will resign from his office on June 30th. Jonny Anders, the Heide section leader, is also saying goodbye on July 30th - both at their own request. At an official farewell, District Administrator Rainer Rempe praised the services of the two firefighters and thanked them on behalf of the citizens for their many years of altruistic commitment. District newspaper weekly reports the standing ovation they both received during the ceremony.

Volker Bellmann, who has been active in the fire department since 1981, has 44 years in management positions and has, among other things, been chairman of the district fire department association since 2015. Jonny Anders also brings an impressive 47 years of experience, including as local fire chief in Tostedt. Both firefighters were recognized not only for their leadership, but also for their awards over the past decades. Rempe also highlighted the important role of families and friends who support these volunteer positions.

A new wind in the fire department

With Jörn Petersen, the new district fire chief and municipal fire chief of the Salzhausen community, an experienced firefighter is taking over. Petersen has been demonstrating his knowledge and leadership skills in his community since 2016 and was previously the local fire chief of the Tangendorf Volunteer Fire Department for 18 years. "The challenge of leading the fire department within the district is enormous. I look forward to strengthening our firefighting and disaster protection together with other committed volunteers," said Petersen during his first speech. He will take up his new position as representative of the community of over 1.25 million volunteers in Germany's fire departments.

The change in the district fire department is not just a personnel decision, but is also in the context of the current strength and support of voluntary structures in Germany. The German Fire Brigade Association regularly emphasizes that volunteer fire departments not only ensure the safety of citizens, but are also rooted in society as cultural bearers and play an important role in youth work.

Looking into the future

As part of these changes, André Emme, city fire chief for the city of Buchholz, will also be appointed as the new Heide section manager. Emme brings with him his leadership experience as a former local fire chief in Holm, which supports continuity in the leadership of the fire department. All new managers focus intensively on the further development of the fire department and the challenges in rural regions. Winter District Fire Department also emphasizes how important it is for the fire department to work together with politics and administration to ensure the best conditions for volunteer work.

The new beginning for the fire department in the Harburg district under the leadership of Jörn Petersen promises an exciting chapter: fresh ideas, dynamic collaboration and the tireless commitment of volunteers - because without them, safety in rural communities remains a major challenge.