Dear people of Wiesbaden,

The girls and boys of our youth fire departments are planning a fantastic campaign this month: On October 25, they are planting 4,500 trees in several places in the city forest. I think that's great. They are being supported by the forestry department of our municipal green spaces office.

After the recent death of spruce trees, a mixed forest is now to be created on the open areas. The young people are therefore planting sweet chestnuts, silver firs and winter lime trees. A tree needs four to five square meters of space to thrive.

This campaign not only brings together climate protection and team spirit - it also has an impact beyond the planting day. The young people spend time in the forest, experience it with all their senses and take responsibility for nature. Over months and years, they can follow how "their" trees grow and how the forest returns. Every tree planted is a visible step towards a greener future - and together, the youth fire departments are making a lasting impact.

I would also like to use this column to remind you of the daily work of our fire department: with impressive naturalness and great commitment, our firefighters are on hand day and night when there is a fire, people need help or animals need to be rescued. As the person responsible for the fire department, I would like to express my thanks and respect to all our firefighters for their tireless efforts.

For the most part, this work - apart from high-profile firefighting operations - is hardly noticed. Our professional fire department comprises more than 270 firefighters. In addition, there are 20 volunteer fire departments with over 670 volunteers who ensure our safety around the clock. The youth fire departments have more than 330 members, the children's groups over 280.

The importance of this work and commitment cannot be emphasized and appreciated often enough. Many of them do far more than what is taken for granted - out of community spirit, idealism and the will to share responsibility for the community. This attitude is one of the best traditions of the volunteer fire department. For this, a sincere and heartfelt thank you!

Sincerely

Gert-Uwe Mende
Lord Mayor