Arne Bork: New chief of the 3,500 firefighters in northwest Mecklenburg!

Arne Bork: New chief of the 3,500 firefighters in northwest Mecklenburg!

There was a lot going on in Schönberg on August 30, 2025. Over 200 fire departments celebrated a special ceremony: The Northwest Mecklenburg District Fire Department Association received a new flag. This celebration not only marked a celebratory occasion, but also a generational change at the top of the association. After Heinz Hinzmann handed over the chairmanship after six years in office, Arne Bork, head of the Lützow-Lübstorf office, became his successor. “It is a great responsibility for me to be responsible for 3,500 emergency services,” said Bork, who felt well prepared for his new task.

The celebrations also included the traditional district fire brigade march, to which more than 40 teams were invited. Among the participants was 21-year-old Lyke Engbertz, who proudly carried the new flag as part of the ceremony. Engbertz showed her commitment with two dress rehearsals to ensure a flawless performance. The new flag, which shows the logo of the district fire brigade association and the colors of the district of Northwest Mecklenburg, stands for the solidarity and commitment of the firefighters.

Recognition and awards

Heinz Hinzmann took the opportunity to thank him warmly for the trust he placed in him during his term of office. Under his leadership, many important decisions were made that moved the fire brigade association forward. The ceremony particularly highlighted the achievements of the volunteer fire department, which is not only dedicated to fire protection, but also to providing assistance in the event of accidents and emergencies. These activities make up the majority of operations and show how important the fire brigade is for the community, as Wikipedia states that two thirds of all operations are for assistance Wikipedia.

Among the remarkable achievements that day there were also sporting successes. Competitions took place in various categories in which the Selmsdorfers won the children's competition, while Schönberg triumphed in the youth competition. The team from Wismar Altstadt won the active team, followed by Gadebusch I and Alt Meteln. These competitions are not only a tradition, but also strengthen the solidarity of the fire departments in the district and show the diversity of the offerings in fire service work.

Structures and organization

The organization of the fire brigade in Germany is diverse, as is the case here in the district fire brigade association. The board consists of several members who are elected every six years. This includes the chairman, a deputy and assessors. The most common operations are covered by volunteer fire departments, supported by solid training and initiatives such as the youth fire department. This shows that the duties of the fire department are not limited to fire protection, but also fulfill a broader social function, which is largely regulated by state legislation KFV-NWM.

The day in Schönberg represented a successful and significant transition, both in terms of leadership and in the symbol of the new flag bearer. “We will continue to be fully committed to security in our region,” promised Arne Bork at the end of the ceremony.