The "Fire brigade of the future" competition is celebrating a small anniversary in 2015. For the fifth time, Stadtwerke Gießen and the district fire brigade association are calling on volunteers from the district of Gießen to take part with special ideas and creative projects. Deadline for applications: 30 April.
The first "Fire Service of the Future" ideas competition was launched in 2011 and quickly developed into a success. Since then, the region's volunteer fire services have taken part in the innovation prize with numerous creative projects. In 2015, they will once again have the chance to show how they are mastering the challenges of their voluntary work - whether it is recruiting young talent or informing citizens about fire safety. The competition entries from previous years are proof of the outstanding ideas that can be realised within just a few months.
"The members of the district's volunteer fire brigades have a lot of innovative strength. This is precisely what we want to promote in the 'Fire brigade of the future' competition," explains SWG company spokesperson Ina Weller, adding: "Last year's winners have once again demonstrated the great commitment of the volunteers and the important role they play for the region." Example of first place: The Annerod volunteer fire brigade developed the idea of a "daytime fire brigade" to tackle the problem of reduced deployment levels during core working hours on weekdays.
From the initial idea to implementation
With regard to the competition format, Stephanie Orlik from SWG points out: "We are deliberately not setting strict guidelines for the type of projects this year either - this has proven to be a good idea." Michael Weber, Chairman of the District Fire Brigade Association, explains: "Experience shows that extraordinary ideas are created without restrictive guidelines and with more freedom. This is precisely the aim of the 'Fire Service of the Future' innovation award."
Participants must submit their proposals and application documents to Stadtwerke Gießen by 30 April. Experts from the district fire brigade association will then review the applications. The volunteer fire brigades then have from 15 May to 30 September to implement their project. They must submit a detailed project description, including photo documentation, by 31 October. A jury consisting of representatives from the press, fire brigades and SWG will then decide on the winners.
Stadtwerke Gießen provides all further information and the application documents on its website at stadtwerke-giessen.de/innovationspreis.