Initial situation
The Verbandsgemeinde Gerolstein—like many municipalities—faces the challenge of ensuring fire protection in the long term while also meeting the increasing requirements in terms of technology, personnel and organisation. With 57 fire brigades and more than 1,250 volunteer emergency responders, the task was to align the structures for the future and secure operational capability on a lasting basis.
Investigation approach
The aim was to develop a comprehensive, practical fire service requirements plan that takes into account both the current situation and future requirements. The plan was to serve as a strategic basis for decision-making for the administration, policymakers and fire service leadership, and support the sustainable development of all brigades in the Verbandsgemeinde.
Key findings (compressed)
Lülf+ supported the Verbandsgemeinde Gerolstein as a technical partner over a period of two years. In close cooperation with the administration and local fire service leadership, a multi-stage planning process was implemented. The basis was the Requirements Plan 365, which ensures a systematic and long-term approach to municipal fire protection.
The development process was divided into three successive phases:
- Analysis of the existing infrastructure, risks and performance of the fire brigades.
- Recommendations on technology, personnel development and inter-municipal cooperation—tailored to the specific needs of the VG.
- Support for the implementation of the measures through to 2030 to ensure sustainable modernisation.
Recommended measures (compressed)
Concrete recommendations for action were developed regarding fire stations, vehicle concepts and cooperation between individual brigades in order to promote synergies and use resources efficiently. Through the joint process within the framework of Requirements Plan 365, important insights were gained and improvements for the future were derived.
Results of the organizational investigation
The unanimously adopted fire service requirements plan provides a reliable basis for the further development of fire protection in the Verbandsgemeinde Gerolstein.
It secures the future of 57 fire brigades with more than 1,250 volunteers and sets new standards for a modern, high-performing and needs-based fire service structure. The clear roadmap through to 2030 ensures that investments, training and technology remain optimally aligned.
Period: 2023/2024