The award recognizes more than 30 years of voluntary service at the Wixhausen local court – Henske has been its head since 1998
Bernd Henske has been awarded the Hessian State Medal of Honor. Mayor Hanno Benz presented him with the award on Tuesday, September 22nd, for his more than 30 years of volunteer service at the Wixhausen Local Court. Darmstadt, City of Science
Henske has been a member of the local court since 1991. Initially, he served as a lay judge until 1997, then for about a year as deputy presiding judge. Since 1998, he has been the presiding judge of the Wixhausen local court. (City of Darmstadt)
More than 30 years in the local court
Henske, born in Darmstadt in 1959, grew up in Wixhausen and began an apprenticeship as an administrative employee with the city of Darmstadt in 1977. After various positions with the city, he worked in the Wixhausen district administration from 1990. From 1996 until his retirement in 2023, he served as district administrator in Wixhausen. He was also appointed registrar. (City of Science Darmstadt)
In addition to his work at the local court, Henske was also active in the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). From 1972 to 1997, he served as a rescue diver in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, and from 1992 to 1995, he also served as the disaster relief coordinator. He was also involved with the DLRG Darmstadt branch, where he taught swimming to children. Since 1999, Henske has been a member of the supervisory board of the non-profit housing cooperative Wixhausen. (City of Science Darmstadt)
Back in 2024, the City of Darmstadt had already awarded Henske an honorary certificate for distinguished citizens.
Benz praises voluntary commitment
At the award ceremony, Mayor Hanno Benz particularly praised Henske's long-standing service at the local court. Benz stated that Henske had "always been reliable" in his various roles. He also emphasized Henske's sense of responsibility in his diverse professional and volunteer activities. Darmstadt, City of Science
The Hessian State Certificate of Honor is awarded for long-standing voluntary service, including in local government, municipal institutions, and associations with cultural or social objectives. Generally, at least twelve years of voluntary service are required.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
Featured image: Honorary certificate from the State of Hesse for Bernd Henske. Photo: City of Darmstadt
