"They were and are a great support in these difficult times," said the head of the district administration. At the meeting of the representatives of the 40 volunteer fire departments in the district, Allgaier explained that most people first think of fires as the classic area of operation for fire departments. However, the most common type of operation among the total of 3490 deployments in the Ludwigsburg district last year was technical assistance. "From rescues in the event of serious accidents, assistance in the event of flooding and high water, the removal of storm and tempest damage and hazardous goods operations - the range of challenges and areas of operation of the volunteer fire departments in the district is huge."
Allgaier thanked the guests in the district hall on behalf of all 3586 active firefighters. "They all make an important contribution to the safety of the citizens of the Ludwigsburg district!" During the peak phase of the coronavirus pandemic, the fire departments supported the district administration in providing important infrastructure at short notice, such as setting up and operating the coronavirus testing station at Ludwigsburg hospital and a "coronavirus mobile". "Thank you once again for your active and uncomplicated support," said the district administrator to the volunteers such as Kornwestheim commander Matthias Häußler, who coordinated the deployment of the volunteers, and the full-time district fire chief Andy Dorroch.
With the current stabilization of the number of cases at a low level, it is important to implement cautious relaxations. In the area of fire departments, which have recently been allowed to practice again, this is necessary in order to "continue to maintain operational capability in the professional form that we know from you". Observing the hygiene rules would still not allow for camaraderie, the usual togetherness, celebrations and anniversary events. "But hopefully you will be able to look forward to a time after Corona when these things can be made up for," said Allgaier.
The district is doing all it can to support the work of the fire department and is subsidizing the procurement of vehicles and special equipment for inter-municipal use. Among other things, two million euros are being invested in renewing the hardware in the integrated control center (ILS). "We are in a good position in the Ludwigsburg district - we have very committed volunteer fire departments, the full support of the towns and municipalities and funding from the district," emphasized the district administrator as the highest representative of the "official side" of the fire department.
Background information on the fire departments in the district:
- 40 voluntary fire departments with 3,586 active firefighters
- 3 company fire departments with 106 active firefighters
- 1024 young people
- 1257 members of the senior fire brigades
- 124 members of the fire department bands
- 3490 deployments in 2019, including 27 major fires
- 518 people were rescued by the fire departments in 2019
- 146 fire engines
- 18 turntable ladders
