Hero at the last second: Langener's Ferdinand Schenko saves cyclists!

Hero at the last second: Langener's Ferdinand Schenko saves cyclists!

An exciting event has attracted a lot of attention in the small town of Langen. Ferdinand Schenko, a committed firefighter, was welcomed by the Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang with the Rescue medal from the state of Saxony-Anhalt honored. This was for a courageous rescue operation that occurred almost a year ago.

The dramatic events took place on July 11, 2024 in Zerbst. Schenko, who was on the way back from a restaurant with his girlfriend and her parents, suddenly noticed a cyclist who had fallen and was lying bleeding on the track bed. *There was something going on*! A train was approaching and time was of the essence. Schenko acted instinctively, pulled the accident victim behind the barrier with a well-practiced rescue move and was thus able to prevent anything worse from happening. Despite an injury to his leg, the cyclist did not suffer any serious consequences thanks to Schenko's courageous intervention, as both were treated in a timely manner by the emergency services.

Courageous acts in a community spirit

“I didn't think, I just acted,” says Schenko, describing his reaction. His humble character becomes clear; When he accepted the medal, he did not feel like a hero, but rather as part of a community of helpers that is always ready to help others. In a world where helpfulness often receives little attention, Schenko's act highlights the value of human interaction. Mayor Andreas Dittmann also emphasized during the award ceremony how important such civil courage actions are for our society.

Schenko, who has been active with the Langen Volunteer Fire Department since 2011 and has been working as a youth fire department instructor for a year, is already looking forward to the next fire department event, where he would like to proudly present the award he has received. He is a good example of how important good training and continued commitment are in the fire service.

The rescue medal and its meaning

The Rescue medal from the state of Saxony-Anhalt is awarded to people who risk their lives to save other lives or avert significant danger. Since the medal's inception on September 7, 2005, many acts of courage have been recognized, but such heroic acts should not only be recognized at awards ceremonies. Rescue and civil courage medals of the various federal states underline how important it is to show moral courage and to be willing to help.

Ferdinand Schenko is not only an example of extraordinary courage, but also of the values ​​that should be upheld in a community. May we all carry a little of his courageous actions and natural willingness to help within us.