Volunteer heroes honored: Barnim celebrates committed citizens!

Volunteer heroes honored: Barnim celebrates committed citizens!

There was a special festive atmosphere in the Barnim district on Friday, June 27, 2025. The district administrator's annual reception provided the perfect stage to honor outstanding volunteer citizens for their long-standing and meritorious commitment to the common good. The awarding of the Medal of Merit of the State of Brandenburg, presented by Interior Minister René Wilke, was the highlight of the event Barnim reported.

“The cooperation in the district council works harmoniously,” emphasized chairman Othmar Nickel in his welcoming speech. District Administrator Daniel Kurth thanked everyone who makes Barnim worth living in every day. There were particularly bright eyes for the honorees who make a valuable contribution to the community with their remarkable projects and initiatives.

Honoring those who are committed

The range of personalities honored ranges from those promoting culture to fire department leaders:

• Jochen Wünsche (Ahrensfelde): Engagement für den Lenné-Park in Blumberg.
• Jörg Erdmann (Bernau): Leitung der Bernauer Feuerwehr.
• Ilona Trometer (Panketal, abwesend): 14 Jahre als ehrenamtliche Behindertenbeauftragte.
• Andreas Beier (Melchow): Aktiver Einsatz bei der Nachwuchsgewinnung in der Feuerwehr.
• Lothar Ast (Werneuchen): Landschaftspflege und Jugendarbeit.
• Gabriele Lange (Joachimsthal): Vorsitzende des Heimatvereins mit kulturellem Einsatz.
• Uwe Kleber (Eberswalde): Engagement für den Finowkanal und regionale Entwicklung.
• Wilfried Riemer (Schorfheide): Ehrenamtlicher Fußballfunktionär.
• Martina Hähnel (Oderberg): Verdienste als Bürgermeisterin.
• Norbert Thron (Bernau): Bildungsarbeit in Naturwissenschaften.

Martin Horst from Chorin was honored as a special highlight. With over 50 years of service in a variety of roles, including mayor and firefighter, he has established himself as a reliable designer and role model in the community. Interior Minister Wilke described Horst as a “quiet, reliable designer” who gives democratic action a face.

A look at the medal of merit

The Medal of Merit of the State of Brandenburg, which has now also been awarded to Horst, has an exciting history. It wasn't until July 11, 2024 that the first awards were given out in Potsdam to honor voluntary work in various areas such as healthcare, citizens' initiatives and tourism. Volunteering in Brandenburg documents the achievements and diversity of the honored people.

Overall, this event illustrates the challenges facing the state and municipalities. In his speech, Minister Wilke discussed the need for cooperation and the great commitment of the volunteers.

The evening ended in a harmonious atmosphere with music as well as food and drinks, and those present were able to exchange ideas about the positive impulses that volunteer work at Barnim provides.

A lasting reminder of the important achievements and invaluable commitment of the people in the region. Brandenburg.de makes it possible to find out more about these everyday heroes in the future.