Plettenberg fire chief Markus Bauckhage retires after 25 years, new €6 million equipment house underway

Markus Bauckhage, who has led the Plettenberg fire department since 2001, announced he will not seek re‑election and will step down in the autumn, ending a 25‑year tenure in the municipal fire leadership.

Bauckhage criticised the six‑year‑old sleeping containers that were meant as a two‑year interim solution and highlighted ongoing staffing shortages and pay concerns. At the same time, a new equipment house for the Ohle fire group is under construction, with a projected cost of almost €6 million. He also outlined the succession plan: Michael Turk will become chief, Jens Braukmann will serve as deputy, and Lars Pietrowski will join the leadership team.