Chimney sweep legend Rutke says goodbye: New chapter for Salzgitter!

Chimney sweep legend Rutke says goodbye: New chapter for Salzgitter!

A moving farewell: Thomas Rutke was officially farewelled on Thursday in Lebenstedt town hall after more than 24 years as a district chimney sweep. The occasion was a special one - during his time in the Salzgitter-10706 sweeping district, Rutke not only mastered the craft, but also made a decisive contribution to environmental and fire protection with his committed and reliable work. “A chimney sweep like him is more than a craftsman – he is an important partner for our environment,” praised First City Councilor Eric Neiseke, who took part in the handover. Rutke's responsibility will be temporarily taken over by several other authorized district chimney sweeps for the next three years, as a direct replacement is not initially possible.

While he resigned from his post, Jens Soyk was able to take on a new task: He was appointed as an authorized district chimney sweep for the Salzgitter-10709 sweeping district. He will hold this position from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2032 and will continue the successful work he has been doing since 2018. His district includes the streets in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt, Salzgitter-Lesse and the town of Barbecke in the neighboring Peine district. “With Jens Soyk we have another competent partner who impresses with his friendliness and reliability,” says Neiseke about his successor.

The job of the district chimney sweep

What actually makes a district chimney sweep so important? The training for this is demanding because it usually requires dual training that lasts three years. The aspiring chimney sweeps learn everything about heating technology, environmental protection and safety technology in practical areas and at vocational school. In order to work as a district chimney sweep, a master's degree in chimney sweeping is often required. The main tasks include cleaning and maintaining chimneys and carrying out exhaust gas measurements, which are essential for safety and compliance with emissions regulations.

The activity is not only future-proof, but also diverse. Thanks to legal regulations for the maintenance and testing of combustion systems, the importance of chimney sweeps will continue to increase. In addition, the focus on environmental and energy consulting opens up new perspectives. “Good training and dedicated further training opportunities are the key to success in this profession,” explains an expert in the industry. Thanks to the ever-increasing demand for energy-saving solutions, career opportunities for district chimney sweeps are high.

Thanks for the long cooperation

In addition to Neiseke and Jens Soyk, those present at the farewell also included representatives of the Braunschweig chimney sweeps guild as well as specialist service manager Gülbahar Alakus-Neiseke and department head Frank Bonse. Everyone was convinced of the importance and challenges that district chimney sweeps are confronted with every day. Rutke leaves a gap that will not be easy to fill, but the legacy of his capable successor is in good hands.

For the citizens of Salzgitter-Lebenstedt, Lesse and Barbecke, the new district chimney sweep, Jens Soyk, will certainly be a reliable contact for all questions relating to fire protection and the environment. And so the circle closes – from farewell to a new beginning.