The municipality of Seehof is investing 440,000 euros in a new fire engine!

The municipality of Seehof is investing 440,000 euros in a new fire engine!

On December 1, 2025, the time had finally come: The Seehof Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the ceremonial handover of a new LF 10 fire department vehicle. At the event, Mayor Claus Wergin emphasized the immense importance of the new vehicle for the safety of the entire community. Ultimately, modern technology is essential for emergency services to effectively master the challenges of averting danger and to provide the best possible help. The vehicle was ordered in March 2023 as part of the 2021 fire protection requirements plan and meets the urgently needed requirements.

The total investment of around 440,000 euros represents a big step for the community. Seehof itself contributes 360,000 euros of this and takes out a loan for this. In addition, a grant of 80,000 euros was secured from the Nordwestmecklenburg district, which reduced the financial burden on the community. At a local council meeting in March 2023, the purchase of the vehicle was decided with six yes votes and three no votes.

Tradition and progress

The old fire fighting vehicle had been in use since 1996 and was in urgent need of renovation. Fire chief Mario Möller expressed his joy about the new vehicle and emphasized that planning began in 2020. Modern equipment is now needed to cope with the ongoing number of operations of 20 to 25 per year. District Administrator Tino Schomann thanked the firefighters for their tireless efforts and expressed his gratitude for the district's grant.

What was particularly noteworthy was that the fire department's support association presented a height-adjustable rescue platform, which was financed by generous citizens. This shows once again how rooted the fire department is in the community and how important the support of the population is to it. The Seehof Volunteer Fire Department currently has 34 members, including 10 in the youth fire department and 7 in the children's fire department, which further strengthens the work of young talent.

Fire service needs plan and future outlook

Purchasing the new fire brigade vehicle is not only worthwhile now, but is also based on the fire brigade requirements plan, which is intended to ensure the optimization of the fire brigade. This planning makes sense even without legal requirements, as it not only addresses the need for new locations, but also assesses the financial impact of various possible solutions. In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, a legal basis for such demand plans was created in December 2020, which provides a clear framework.

Developments such as the creation or updating of a fire service requirements plan are essential and are usually updated every five years. The community receives support in data analysis, preparation and concept creation. This means that unforeseen developments can be responded to promptly, which also reduces the effort on the municipal side. The annual controlling report ensures that all developments relevant to requirements planning are kept in view, which is of great importance for securing the future of the fire department.

The ceremony to hand over the new vehicle took place on December 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there will also be another celebration at the evening Christmas party. The new vehicle is not only seen as the most modern piece of technology in the fire department, but also as a symbol of the togetherness and cohesion of the community.

Links to further information can be found here: Northern Courier, Fire service needs plan, Lülfi+.