The piercing wail of a siren cuts through the morning air. It’s the Berufsfeuerwehr der Universit\u00e4ts- und Hansestadt Greifswald. We’re standing right in front of it. Its imposing presence speaks of readiness. Of a long and storied history.
This isn’t just any fire station. The Berufsfeuerwehr der Universit\u00e4ts- und Hansestadt Greifswald is one of Germany’s oldest professional fire departments. Established on April 1 1876 it has been safeguarding Greifswald for nearly 150 years. That makes it one of the oldest in medium-sized German cities. Think about that for a moment. Generations of firefighters have served here. Each one playing a part in this city’s safety and resilience.
Their responsibilities go far beyond fighting fires. The Berufsfeuerwehr handles technical rescue operations. They once even provided emergency medical transport. That service ended in 2005 due to staffing shortages. A fascinating detail often overlooked. The department’s strategic location on Wolgaster Strasse is no accident. It allows them to reach about 80% of the city within eight minutes. Efficiency and speed are critical. Every second counts.
The fire station is a hub of activity. It houses a breathing apparatus workshop. A hose workshop with a hose washing facility. And a vehicle maintenance area. They also have a general equipment workshop. All essential for maintaining peak operational readiness. This building also houses the integrated control center. The Freiwillige Feuerwehr also shares this important location.
The integrated control center doesn’t just manage the city’s fire responses. It coordinates with the HKS Rettungsdienst Greifswald GmbH. This company handles emergency medical services. They work in tandem with the German Red Cross. The control center also dispatches rescue helicopter Christoph 47. A vital link in emergency responses.
In 2000 the Berufsfeuerwehr created a specialized water rescue team. They call it the Sondereinsatzgruppe SEE. The Greifswalder Bodden has witnessed numerous tragic drowning incidents. This team combines the efforts of the Berufsfeuerwehr the German Air Rescue Service and the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked. The intricate coordination between the team the helicopter and boats from various agencies is remarkable. It showcases the dedication to saving lives at sea.
The Berufsfeuerwehr der Universit\u00e4ts- und Hansestadt Greifswald has a fleet of vehicles including a turntable ladder a rescue vehicle command cars and a variety of specialized equipment. These tools are essential for tackling a wide range of emergencies. The station also has boats and even an ice sledge. These are used for operations on the city’s waterways and during harsh winter conditions.
As we stand here a sense of security washes over us. We’re grateful for their tireless work. The Berufsfeuerwehr der Universit\u00e4ts- und Hansestadt Greifswald stands as a testament to civic duty. It serves as a silent guardian ensuring the safety and well-being of Greifswald. It is a testament to a legacy of service and dedication. A legacy that continues to this day.