Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) is honouring and supporting the work of volunteer fire brigades in the region with the Fire Brigade of the Future innovation competition. To mark the anniversary, there is also a painting competition for mini and children's fire brigades.
The service that the members of voluntary fire brigades provide for society cannot be overestimated. They are there when there is a fire and often save lives. In addition, they are also increasingly fulfilling technical assistance and environmental protection tasks. Committed people are needed for this important work. It is becoming increasingly difficult for volunteer fire brigades to find them.
"This is precisely where we want to start with the Fire Service of the Future innovation competition," explains Ulli Boos, deputy company spokesperson for Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG).
The competition will enter its tenth round in 2021. This anniversary was actually due to take place last year. However, like so many other events, Firefighters of the Future was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. "This makes it all the more important to tackle the topic again this year," says Ulli Boos. After all, there is a very serious idea behind the competition: the aim is to motivate fire services to break new ground. "This is particularly important in times of coronavirus," says Ulli Boos. After all, it is important to maintain the all-important team spirit and training.
Focus on digitalisation
"Together with SWG, we are calling on all volunteer fire brigades in the region to once again take part in the competition with unusual ideas," says Michael Klier, Chairman of the district fire brigade association, encouraging his colleagues. This year's motto is "Fire brigades in times of corona" - with a focus on digitalisation. In fact, almost all local fire brigades are now working on ideas and concepts that go beyond the competition to keep the organisation going. They are also looking for solutions to transfer continuous fire service training into digital formats. "The approaches are diverse. With the competition, we want to bring together the different possibilities and show how creatively the fire services are dealing with the coronavirus crisis," emphasises Michael Klier.
As in previous years, there are no restrictions in terms of departments. Everyone can take part - operational departments, children's and youth groups, music and marching bands as well as honourary departments. The supporting clubs are also called upon to play an active role.
The prerequisite for participation in the competition is a meaningful application to SWG by 30 April 2021. The volunteer fire brigades that are accepted will then have until 30 September 2021 to develop their idea into a concrete project and work on it. They must be finished by 31 October at the latest and submit documentation including an illustrated presentation.
Difficult decision expected
As in previous years, a jury made up of representatives from the press, fire brigades and SWG will judge the submitted projects and ultimately select the winners. It's worth getting a place on the podium: SWG donates a total of 3,000 euros in prize money for the three best projects. The winning fire brigade receives half of this, the runner-up takes home 1,000 euros and third place is endowed with 500 euros.
"Based on our experience, we are expecting many exciting ideas again this year," explains Julia Trampisch, deputy chairwoman of the district fire brigade association and jury member. Ulli Boos also predicts: "I firmly believe that the decision will not be easy this time either." Especially as the jury has more work to do this year. To mark the tenth anniversary, there is also a painting competition for mini and children's fire brigades. They are looking for the best picture with the SWG mascot, Fabius the dragon, as a firefighter. The prize donated by SWG is also impressive: The firefighter children who have submitted the best picture will receive a visit from the energy theatre with Fabius.
Registration for the competition: SWG has compiled all the important information and registration documents for the Fire Brigade of the Future competition at www.stadtwerke-giessen.de/innovationspreis.