The current fire district leader in Furpach, Christian Milz, has been appointed as the successor to Stefan Enderlein, who had led the unit for the past six years. New for the Neunkirchen fire brigade was the election of two deputy commanders: Tobias Hans was confirmed in his position as deputy, and Kevin Kolmen was newly elected.
In addition to the election of the fire chief, the firefighters of the Wiebelskirchen fire district also elected Rosario Calla as their new fire district leader and Gerhard Zimmer as his deputy.
Mayor Lisa Hensler and Deputy Thomas Hans, the official responsible for the fire department, attended the election until its conclusion.
In her greeting, Hensler emphasized the „important role of the fire chief for the fire department and of course also for the city.“ For the residents of Neunkirchen must be able to rely on their fire department at any time, Hensler said. „Maintaining this trust of the citizens is one of the most important tasks of a fire chief,“ the mayor explained and wished the new fire leadership „the courage, the strength, but also the patience,“ required for this. She also thanked the female and male firefighters for their readiness to „be at the service of the community all year round and at any time of day and night.“
District fire inspector Michael Sieslack emphasized the importance of the Neunkirchen fire department in the district. "The fire department of the city of Neunkirchen bears by far the main burden of operations in the entire district, and this capacity distinguishes them," said Sieslack. Accordingly, he attributed "immense responsibility" to the fire chief in Neunkirchen.
After the election, Deputy Thomas Hans thanked the previous officeholder Stefan Enderlein for his many years of dedication to the fire department in Neunkirchen. Enderlein was part of the Neunkirchen fire brigade leadership for a total of twelve years. For the last six years, the 55-year-old led the fire department as fire chief, and before that, he served as deputy fire chief for six years.
In addition, Thomas Hans thanked the three firefighters elected to the fire brigade leadership: Christian Milz, 38, police officer, Tobias Hans, 40, plant firefighter and fire district leader in Münchwies, as well as Kevin Kolmen, 32, firefighter at the fire and rescue station in Neunkirchen. Hans also expressed his gratitude to the candidates and all firefighters present for their commitment. At the same time, he drew attention to the tasks and challenges that the Neunkirchen fire brigade will have to face in the coming years. „We must acknowledge that the number of volunteers is declining while the number and complexity of operations continues to increase,“ said Hans.
“The social trend is also moving towards short-term or project-based commitments. But that is not how the fire department works – it is a time-intensive but rewarding volunteer job.” The fire department must learn to cope with this and try to find suitable answers, Hans concluded.
According to Saarland Today information, the election of the fire brigade leadership and the deputy is said to have been contested by the city administration. Until the matter is clarified, the previous fire chief Stefan Enderlein will continue to act as fire chief.
