These assorted vehicles belong to a variety of youth fire brigades in the Oldenwald Fire District, which includes numerous volunteer fire companies. They are mainly small personnel carriers, but also include some older fire appliances which are assigned to youth brigades once they have outlived their usefulness as operational units. Youth fire brigades in Germany are extremely popular, and accept suitable candidates between fourteen and eighteen. They do not attend emergency incidents in any front line capacity, but may be called on to help out with supporting activities on rare occasions.
They are not required or expected to join as fully fledged volunteers when they reach eighteen, but of course very many do! Being a volunteer in your local fire company is considered to be a very positive demonstration of good character and commitment to your community. Germany has more than 22,000 volunteer fire companies with 1.3 million members - around 3% of the entire adult population!
They are not required or expected to join as fully fledged volunteers when they reach eighteen, but of course very many do! Being a volunteer in your local fire company is considered to be a very positive demonstration of good character and commitment to your community. Germany has more than 22,000 volunteer fire companies with 1.3 million members - around 3% of the entire adult population!
Added by Rob Johnson on 31 December 2021.