Two members of the fire brigade in the municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin were delighted to receive very special honours in recent days.
Daniel Smyczek was awarded the Silver Ribbon Fire Protection Medal of Honour by Brandenburg's Minister of the Interior Michael Stübgen on 29 September 2023. The award was presented at a reception in Klaistow.
It honoured not only his 35-year membership of the volunteer fire brigade, but also his uninterrupted commitment since then, not least as the local fire brigade leader of the Hennickendorf local fire brigade since 2008. With his calm and matter-of-fact manner, he is happy to pass on the knowledge he has acquired to the members of the Hennickendorf local fire brigade, as well as during joint training sessions with the other two local fire brigades. The mayor's nomination for the award goes on to say: "He works in a very structured, objective and calm manner, particularly during operations in our community and also during large-scale operations. He very often gives the "young" leaders the opportunity to gain experience at operational sites with him at their side."
Another very special honour was bestowed on Jürgen Malack a few days ago. On 15 October 2023, he celebrated 70 years as a member of the volunteer fire brigade. An anniversary that is hardly an everyday occurrence these days. Jürgen Malack has lived for the volunteer fire brigade all his life and continues to do so today in the age and honour division of the Herzfelde local fire brigade.
He joined the Herzfelde volunteer fire brigade 70 years ago and was involved in the brigade management for many years. In 1963, he moved to the volunteer fire brigade in the municipality of Hennickendorf, where he was very active as deputy fire chief, among other things. From 1980 to 1989, he also took on the role of Hennickendorf area manager. He worked in several company and plant fire brigades until his retirement. He always showed great commitment and was honoured for this by the MOL District Fire Brigade Association. Despite his entry into the age and honour division, he always stood by the young comrades with advice and support with his extensive experience and, among other things, continued the chronicle of the Hennickendorf local fire brigade. Jürgen Malack was honoured for this commitment at the fire brigade's comradeship evening a few weeks ago.
I would like to express my deep gratitude and maximum appreciation to both comrades for their commitment. With their selfless and unwavering commitment, they are role models and inspiration for many members of the volunteer fire service.
Sabine Löser
Mayor