René Dietrich works in Sales and has been volunteering with the fire brigade for almost 20 years. His firefighting career began in 2008 with the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Röthenbach b. St. Wolfgang. Since 2018, he has served as a crew leader, taking responsibility for his team and helping people in emergency situations together with fellow firefighters. Since moving in 2021, he has been responding to incidents several times a month with the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Großschwarzenlohe.
In this interview, he talks about how he became involved in the fire service, why it remains an important part of his life, and which experiences have shaped him most.
You have been volunteering with the fire brigade for almost 20 years. How did it all begin?
In sales, you would probably call it a successful recommendation. A good friend introduced me to the volunteer fire brigade and inspired me to join. We were already active together on the football field and eventually became part of the youth fire brigade as well.
What began out of curiosity and interest quickly developed into a permanent part of my life. The first drills and activities grew into a commitment that has accompanied me for nearly two decades. What fascinated me from the start – and still does today – is the strong sense of community and teamwork.
What does this commitment mean to you today after so many years?
For me, volunteering with the fire brigade is primarily about being there for other people. Helping in situations where support is needed gives my commitment a special sense of purpose.
At the same time, the fire brigade is much more than emergency responses and training exercises. It is about responsibility, teamwork, and trust. Knowing that, together with my fellow firefighters, I can make an important contribution to the community continues to motivate me. That feeling is what makes volunteering so valuable, even after all these years.
