Offenbach fire department focuses on modernization

Offenbach's professional fire department is equipping itself to provide fast and effective rescue services in emergencies in the future. The city council has decided to procure seven new emergency vehicles and to rent a temporary rescue station, subject to the approval of the city councillors. "The safety of our citizens costs money, let's be clear about that. And that is why the money must be handled very responsibly. But even in times of tight budgets, the following applies: anyone who dials 112 must receive help quickly. By replacing the old vehicles with new ones and adding an additional rescue station, we are ensuring that our vehicles will continue to be functional in the future and arrive on time to help those in need," explains Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke.

Among other things, a new fire engine and an armored personnel carrier will be purchased to further strengthen the fire department's operational readiness. The decision is an essential part of a multi-year program to renew the fire department's equipment. Among other things, the new vehicles are needed to ensure the second rescue route via a turntable ladder in the event of a fire and to fight forest fires. "This is the first part of a procurement program for the Offenbach fire department over a period of five years. In particular, we want to replace emergency vehicles that are getting on in years," emphasizes fire department boss Dr. Michael Eiblmaier:

At the same time, the city is continuing to expand its rescue infrastructure. Eiblmaier explains: "In order to serve the growing population and the western part of the city, a completely new rescue station will be built at the Sana Clinic next year. Among other things, emergency ambulances, intensive care transport vehicles and rescue service personnel will be permanently housed there. As a second important location, this station will enable emergency doctors and rescue teams to be deployed from there quickly when the alarm is raised."

Until the new building is completed by the hospital, the rescue and emergency medical services of the Offenbach professional fire department will continue to be provided in the emergency medical rescue station already rented on the grounds of the Sana Clinic. This station has been temporarily extended to accommodate additional vehicles and rescue workers, including paramedics and emergency doctors, and the rental agreement has been extended to ensure operations continue. Completion and the planned move to the new rescue station should be completed by spring 2026.

The annual rental costs for the temporary rescue station, including the extension, amount to a total of 415,000 euros. The investment in the seven new vehicles amounts to a total of 1.3 million euros.

"The safety of our citizens requires continuous investment in modern equipment. With the second station in the west of the city, emergency services can be on site much faster, which saves lives in an emergency. We are also creating the necessary space there, for which there is no more room at the Rhönstraße location, which has become too cramped," explains Mayor Schwenke.