Youth Engagement in the Volunteer Fire Department Syke – A Success Story

A Strong Youth Fire Department as a Central Element of Urban Development

In many cities, developing young talent in the fire service is a challenge. In Syke, it has been possible to positively influence this trend. The youth fire department now has more than 200 members and offers young Sykers aged nine and above a wide range of sporting, social, and technical activities. Through competitions, training, and creative projects, not only is fire safety education conveyed, but also a strong sense of community is built.

New Leadership – Stability and Impulses for the Future

In April 2026, the leadership roles of the city's youth fire department were reappointed. Jannick Theuer from Wachendorf was appointed as the city youth fire department leader, Lam Duy Le from Heiligenfelde took on the role of first deputy, and Yvonne Kayser from Gessel-Ristedt is the new second deputy. Heiko Köhler, who has been city children's fire department leader since July 2025, serves as the central contact person for younger members.

These personnel changes demonstrate the stability of the system, but also the willingness to appoint young and committed individuals to leadership positions. They contribute to ensuring that the youth fire department in Syke remains both a training and a development environment.

Diverse Activities Strengthen Engagement

The youth fire department in Syke is not only successful in competitions – it offers a broad range of activities. For instance, the City Youth Fire Department Day took place in May 2025, where 21 groups participated in competitions such as the 400m relay and the "Firefighting Attack." Additionally, 19 young people passed the Youth Flame 1 examination, 15 earned the Youth Flame 2, and two even achieved the Youth Flame 3. Moreover, nine young members met the requirements for the Performance Badge of the German Youth Fire Department.

The children's fire department is also active: Through the Brandfloh badge, orientation marches, and theater visits such as the Christmas fairy tale at the Weyher Theater, children are introduced to fire service topics in a playful way. These offerings help ensure that the children’s fire department remains not only a training institution, but also a social meeting point.

A Positive Trend in the Age Structure of the Firefighters

The age structure of the firefighters in the Syke local fire departments shows a positive trend. The proportion of younger firefighters (under 27 years) at 14% is significantly higher than the proportion of those over 50 years of age. This is a decisive factor for the long-term stability and operational capability of the fire department. Young firefighters bring not only fresh energy, but also technical affinity and new ideas.

In addition, a good mix of young and experienced personnel is evident in the local fire departments. This enables a smooth transfer of knowledge and experience. With the Modular Basic Training, young people can complete a large part of their training before the age of 18, allowing them to be integrated into the fire department structures at an early stage.

Outlook: Syke as a Model for Youth Engagement in the Fire Department

The success of the youth and children's fire departments in Syke shows that it is possible to win young people over to long-term voluntary engagement. With a strong leadership team, a broad range of activities, and a positive age structure, Syke has created a model that can serve as an example for other cities.

In 2026, it will become clear whether the successes of the past years can continue in terms of membership development and the quality of training. With the new leadership and already established structures, Syke is well positioned to remain a strong youth fire department in the future.