Fire Chiefs' Meeting 2025: Focusing on Psychosocial Care for Firefighters
On September 16, 2025, the Fire Chiefs' Meeting took place at the Waldniel fire station. This long-standing event, organized by the Viersen District Fire Brigade Association and the Schwalmtal Volunteer Fire Department, brought together representatives from various fire teams in the region and beyond.
Prof. Dr. Helmut Pasch, the chair of the Viersen District Fire Brigade Association, opened the meeting. He was followed by Dirk Neikes, the head of the Schwalmtal Fire Department, who presented the event's agenda. Neikes also provided an insightful overview of the Schwalmtal Fire Department's structure and operations.
Gisela Jackels, the Deputy Mayor of Schwalmtal, delivered welcoming remarks. She emphasised the importance of volunteer engagement in the fire service. The meeting was attended by representatives from fire departments in Kleve and Viersen, as well as the Dutch Brandweer Veiligheidsregio Limburg-Noord, reflecting the need for strong cross-border cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Lars Tutt and Caroline Jansen presented on Psychosocial Emergency Care for First Responders (PSNV-E). This topic was chosen due to the demonstrated need for such support, given the challenging nature of the work and the impact of past california fires on firefighters' mental health.
The Fire Chiefs' Meeting, with its three-decade-long tradition, serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among fire teams. This year's event, hosted by the Viersen District Fire Brigade Association and the Schwalmtal Volunteer Fire Department, highlighted the importance of psychosocial care for first responders and fostered regional cooperation.
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