Marburg honours 50 emergency volunteers with nearly 900 years of service
A ceremony at the Marburg District Office has recognised the long-standing dedication of local emergency volunteers. Nearly 50 responders, representing decades of service, were honoured for their work in Marburg-Biedenkopf and surrounding areas. Their combined efforts amount to almost 900 years of commitment to public safety.
District Administrator Jens Womelsdorf and County Fire Chief Lars Schäfer led the event, presenting medals to volunteers from fire departments, the German Red Cross (DRK), the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). Awards varied based on years of service: gold medals for 40 years, silver for 25 years, and bronze Hessian Disaster Response Medals for a decade of work.
Philipp-Pierre Justus received special recognition with the Bronze Disaster Response Merit Medal. His award acknowledged his leadership of the Municipal Distribution Center for COVID-19 protective equipment during the pandemic.
The ceremony highlighted the broad range of organisations involved in emergency response. From firefighting to medical aid and technical relief, the volunteersâ contributions span critical areas of public safety.
The event celebrated both individual achievements and the collective impact of nearly a millennium of volunteer service. Medals were awarded to those who have spent yearsâsometimes entire careersâprotecting the community. Their roles, from disaster response to pandemic support, remain essential to the regionâs safety.
