German emergency services call for increased investment and cooperation

Michael Wegel, President of the Baden-Württemberg State Firefighters Association, has issued an appeal to the state government for massive investments in civil protection. During a recent assembly, Wegel emphasized that fire departments are a fundamental pillar of disaster management and must be integrated into state planning processes.

He specifically cautioned that domestic protection should not become a purely bureaucratic project, advocating for stronger municipal crisis capabilities and better support for volunteer services. Wegel also suggested expanding the State Firefighting School into a leadership academy for interdisciplinary crisis and disaster management.

In a separate regional effort, authorities in Kiel held a security day to educate the public on crime prevention and emergency preparedness. Organizations including the police, the Technical Relief Agency (THW), and local disaster management services provided information on burglary protection, fraud prevention, and household emergency planning.