On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, following a hearing at the local fire station, Philipp Apitz was officially appointed as the new chief of the Hennickendorf Volunteer Fire Brigade. He thus succeeds Daniel Smyczek, who has held this responsible position for the past 18 years – spanning three terms of office – with great dedication and passion. At his own request, Daniel Smyczek did not stand for re-election to this role.
Philipp Apitz, who was previously deputy chief of the local fire brigade, has now taken over as chief of the Hennickendorf local fire brigade. Mario Leon Krippner has been appointed as the new deputy chief.
Mayor Nico Nolte extends his sincere thanks to Daniel Smyczek for his many years of service and wishes the new local fire brigade leadership every success:
“Daniel Smyczek has shaped the Hennickendorf Volunteer Fire Brigade over many years through his great personal dedication and by taking on responsibility. On behalf of the local council, I would like to thank him warmly for this exceptional commitment. At the same time, I wish Philipp Apitz and Mario Leon Krippner every success in their new roles, continued good cooperation and, above all, a safe return from all their missions.”
The municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin would like to thank all the members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade for their daily efforts to ensure the safety of local residents.