Long-serving city fire inspector honored for his exceptional commitment
The city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, has awarded Dr. Michael Horn the Bronze Medal of Merit. Mayor Hanno Benz presented the award on Thursday (the 11th) on the occasion of Horn's retirement from his position as city fire chief.
With this award, the city honors the decades-long commitment of the Darmstadt resident to the fire department and the common good. Dr. Michael Horn held the office of City Fire Inspector since May 2001 and significantly shaped the development of the Darmstadt Fire Department for more than two decades.
More than 45 years of dedication to the fire department
Dr. Michael Horn joined the Arheilgen Volunteer Fire Department in 1980. Since 1986, he has held various leadership and board positions, including deputy fire chief and fire chief. In 2001, he was elected city fire inspector of the Darmstadt Fire Department.
Mayor Hanno Benz praised his dedication: “Dr. Michael Horn has made outstanding contributions to the safety of the citizens of the science city of Darmstadt. For more than two decades, he has shaped the development of the entire Darmstadt fire department with extraordinary commitment, vision, and a strong sense of responsibility.”
Professionally, the historian, who holds a doctorate, worked as a journalist and editor-in-chief at the Darmstädter Echo, among other things. After positions in state politics, he now works as head of corporate communications at SOKA-BAU.
Cooperation between professional and volunteer fire brigades strengthened
During his term of office, Horn was particularly committed to close cooperation between the professional fire brigade and the four volunteer fire brigades in Arheilgen, Eberstadt, Innenstadt and Wixhausen.
Fire department head Paul Georg Wandrey emphasized that Horn had made a significant contribution to establishing a trusting and equal partnership. The cooperative culture he helped develop is perceived as exemplary even beyond Darmstadt.
Participated in shaping modern fire service structures
Among the most important projects of his term in office is the further development of the fire service infrastructure. For example, the new fire station in Arheilgen was put into operation in 2019. Long-term development plans were also initiated for other locations.
Furthermore, Horn oversaw numerous major projects and special operations. During the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016, he supported the coordination of fire service measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was involved in setting up and operating the vaccination center at the Darmstadtium.
Horn was also on site during the flood disaster in the Ahr valley in 2021, together with emergency services from Darmstadt.
Developing young talent as a matter close to our hearts
He was always particularly committed to promoting the next generation of firefighters. As early as 2000, the first children's fire brigade in Darmstadt was founded at the Arheilgen Volunteer Fire Department. In the following years, further children's fire brigades were established in the city's districts.
In total, Dr. Michael Horn completed around 40 training courses and dedicated himself to the fire brigade and civil protection for decades, far exceeding the usual level of commitment.
Highest recognition for long-standing service
The City of Darmstadt awards the Bronze Medal of Merit to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the common good through their work and services.
The award recognizes the extraordinary voluntary commitment of Dr. Michael Horn to the safety of the people of Darmstadt and the sustainable development of the fire brigade.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
Featured image: From left to right: Mayor Hanno Benz, Dr. Michael Horn, and Fire Department Commissioner Paul Georg Wandrey at the presentation of the Bronze Medal of Merit of the City of Darmstadt. Photo: Darmstadt Fire Department
