Honorary badge for disaster protectors: a sign of appreciation!

Honorary badge for disaster protectors: a sign of appreciation!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a remarkable initiative is emerging that could increase the appreciation for disaster protection. Representatives of the SPD, CDU, Left, Greens and FDP have launched an inter -fractional application for the introduction of an honorary badge for emergency services in disaster protection. This application will be presented in the Schwerin state parliament on July 17 and could be an important step to recognize volunteer work in this area.

Disaster protection plays a central role in coping with storm surges, forest fires and an accident. While there are currently awards for fire protection, there is a lack of appreciation for the diverse emergency services in disaster protection. The less existing focus on this important group puts pressure on the organizations, especially the many volunteers who work in the technical relief organization (THW), in emergency services and other aid organizations.

So what happens behind the scenes? Ralf Benesch from the Rostock Heide volunteer fire brigade is optimistic and emphasized that the badge of honor could help to win more people for volunteering. In view of the increasing requirements due to natural disasters, pandemics and other major damage situations, it is urgently necessary to appreciate and promote the valuable work of these volunteers. According to the Nordkurier Wald fires active in Saxony. These assistants, including many from Preetz and Neubrandenburg, supply up to 1,200 emergency services around the clock.

The importance of these volunteer members is also highlighted by Ralf Mucha, the spokesman for blue light organizations in the SPD parliamentary group. He not only wants an honorary badge, but also grants for many years of commitment to strengthen the motivation of the helpers in the long term. These measures are intended to help promote disaster protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

However, the challenges in volunteering should not be underestimated. A study by the Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK) shows that around 1.76 million volunteers in civil and disaster protection are active in Germany, with the commitment rate in about three percent of the population has been constant for years. If we look at the broader public here, it becomes clear that almost a third of the operational organizations do not have enough members to meet the increased requirements.

A stronger recognition and the introduction of an honorary badge could increase social pressure and possibly draw more people to volunteering. In view of the climate change and the associated increase in extreme weather events, the need to support the volunteers is becoming increasingly urgent.

With the honorary signs, special achievements in disaster protection could also be recognized. There is currently only an award for fire protection officers, while other emergency services worth protecting are in the shade. The initiative, which is discussed on July 17th in the state parliament, could mark a turning point and help to ensure that disaster protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania not only gains more recognition, but also urgently needed new volunteers.

We are excited to see how the discussion in the state parliament develops and what impulses will assume this valuable initiative.