The youngest members get to know the fire department in and around the equipment sheds and vehicles and are gradually trained as junior firefighters. The values that are practiced in fire departments and taught from a young age are particularly important. BUTTING shares these values too. Openness, reliability, courage and appreciation have been key to the success of the family-owned company for almost 250 years. These are important qualities that also characterise the volunteer firefighters.
“BUTTING has deep roots in the region and is there for the people. That's why we support the tremendous dedication and commitment of the children's and youth fire brigades”, explains Jakob Tack, a project manager at BUTTING who is also an active firefighter. To this end, BUTTING has launched the 'Partner of the Fire Brigades' support program at its headquarters in Knesebeck.
“Many of our employees are active or passive members of the fire departments. These colleagues can apply to become sponsors for their local children's or youth fire brigade, thereby securing funding for their young firefighters”, says Jakob Tack, describing the scheme.
Almost all the funding places have already been taken. Over a period of two years, 25 children's and youth fire departments will receive financial support in the first stage.
This funding will go to youth departments of fire brigades with at least one member working at BUTTING. “This is our way of showing the volunteers at BUTTING that their special commitment is recognized”, emphasises Jakob Tack.
Volunteer fire departments in Germany
With over one million volunteers, Germany's fire departments are among the largest volunteer organizations. The social significance of everyone extends well beyond the core tasks of 'rescuing, extinguishing, recovering and protecting'. Volunteer firefighters play a particularly important role in youth work in many areas. In Lower Saxony alone, for example, there are over 1,900 youth fire departments and 820 children's fire departments.
BUTTING – more than pipes – for a better quality of life