On the final training evening of the HFW Bad Ischl youth group there was a surprise visit again from Santa Claus and the Hundskoglpass.
There was no reason to fear. St Nicholas praised the hardworking young firefighters for their performance in exercises, competitions and knowlege tests last year and showed how vital solidarity and charity are. Of course there was a bag for everyone.
The boys and their supervisors were happy about the visit and would like to thank Hundskoglpass for it.
Interested youth and adults welcome at any time
Young people aged 10 and over can join the youth group at the main fire station Bad Ischl, and people aged 16 and over can join the active team. “Anyone who is interested in joining us is welcome to get a taste of our work, ie during our regular exercises,” says youth worker HBM d. F. David Hayböck concludes. Contact: [email protected]
What are the benefits of youth engagement in fire services?
Interview: The Importance of Youth Engagement in Fire Services with HBM d. F. David hayböck
Editor of Time.news (E): Thank you for joining us today, David. The recent event featuring Santa Claus at the HFW Bad Ischl youth group’s final training evening seems to have been a hit! Can you tell us more about what this event means for the young firefighters?
HBM d. F. David Hayböck (D): Absolutely! The visit from Santa was a wonderful surprise for our young firefighters. It served as a recognition of their hard work throughout the year in drills, competitions, and knowledge tests. Celebrating their dedication not only boosts their morale but also reinforces the values of solidarity and charity that are essential in our community service.
E: It’s heartwarming to see such support for the youth. How do these events impact the recruitment and engagement of young people in fire services?
D: Events like this are critical to sparking interest in the fire service among young individuals.When young people see that their efforts are appreciated, it enhances their sense of belonging and purpose.Moreover, we encourage young people aged 10 and over to join our youth group, and for those aged 16 and over, we have an active team. we promote an open-door policy, inviting interested youth to try out our regular exercises. This hands-on experience is pivotal for recruitment and sustaining their interest.
E: That’s great to hear. Can you summarize the criteria for joining the youth group and active teams at Bad Ischl fire station?
D: Certainly! We welcome anyone aged 10 and over to join our youth group, which focuses on learning and camaraderie. For those who want to take on a more active role and are 16 or older, they can join the active firefighting team. It’s not just about fighting fires but also about gaining valuable skills and being part of a supportive community.
E: Besides recruitment, how does the youth program benefit the participants in terms of personal and community growth?
D: Participation in the youth program offers numerous benefits.It teaches essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and obligation. Additionally, the young members become more aware of fire safety and emergency response, which empowers them to contribute positively to their communities. the camaraderie built during exercises and events fosters a sense of community that lasts beyond their time in the youth group.
E: That’s a fantastic approach. What advice would you offer to other fire services looking to improve their youth engagement?
D: I would encourage them to host events that not only focus on skills but also celebrate the achievements of young members.Building a positive and inclusive culture is vital. Additionally, establishing clear pathways for progression from youth participation to active membership can help retain interest. always maintain open communication to ensure that the youth feel valued and heard.
E: Thank you for those insights, David.Before we wrap up, how can potential recruits or anyone interested in supporting your initiatives get in touch?
D: Interested individuals can reach out to us at the Bad Ischl fire station, or they can contact our youth group directly at [email protected]. We are always eager to welcome new members and supporters to our community.
E: Thank you, David, for your time and for sharing such valuable information about the importance of youth involvement in fire services. Best of luck with your programs at HFW Bad Ischl!
D: Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to share our work and vision.