German towns celebrate decades of municipal service

In the Rhein‑Kreis Neuss district, Landrätin Katharina Reinhold presided over a ceremony honoring 20 civil servants for long‑service milestones. Fifteen employees marked 25 years of work and five reached 40 years, receiving personal commendations and certificates. The event also included the retirement of twelve staff members who had shaped the district’s administration.

In the neighbouring town of Lindlar, Mayor Sven Engelmann presented an honorary certificate to Friedhelm Schwirten, recognizing his 50‑year career with the municipal administration. Schwirten, who began as a Verwaltungsfachangestellter in 1976, has held positions across the tax, social, planning, economic development, and public order offices, and now leads the department for fire protection, cemeteries and civil status matters.