International fire brigade exam in Pettendorf: A success for everyone!

International fire brigade exam in Pettendorf: A success for everyone!

On August 23, 2025, the technical deployment training exam in bronze took place in Pettendorf, Lower Austria. Four groups took part in this event, including a group from the Pettendorf Volunteer Fire Department (FF) from the Korneuburg district and three groups from the Pettendorf FF from Bavaria. This international collaboration arose from an event during a joint ski trip in Hinterstoder, which shows the strong bond between the two fire departments. The FF Pettendorf (Lower Austria) supported their Bavarian comrades with videos to prepare for the exercises, which promoted exchange between the groups.

What was particularly challenging was that the Bavarian firefighters did not have access to the FF Pettendorf (Lower Austria) vehicle that was used for the inspection. This required creative improvisation in conducting the exams. Under the team of examiners, led by OBI Bernhard Kronberger, the group from FF Pettendorf (Lower Austria) started the exam successfully. In the end, all 23 comrades from Bavaria also passed the test, so that a total of 33 firefighters in Pettendorf were successful.

Training and international networking

The importance of firefighter training cannot be overstated. It is crucial for effective assistance and the safety of firefighters. As stmi.bayern.de reports, the fire brigade's training initially takes place at the community level, while the district fire council is responsible for the training events at the local level. Districts offer support through various training courses, and there are three state fire brigade schools in Bavaria where firefighters receive comprehensive training.

Training measures are not only important for the individual, but also contribute to strengthening the community and ensuring security among the population. Performance tests serve to check the level of training of firefighters and are of great importance for the continuous development of the emergency services. This is clear from the example of the training exam in Pettendorf, which not only tested the level of training but also promoted international exchange.

Celebrations for the 140th anniversary

After the exams were successfully completed, there was a relaxed atmosphere in the festival tent, where the participants were fed. The ceremonial handover of the badges took place the following Sunday as part of a ceremony that honored the 140th anniversary of the Pettendorf Volunteer Fire Department. This underlines the tradition and cohesion of the fire service community, which extends across national borders.

The link between training, international exchange and a sense of community is further strengthened by the CTIF, which aims to promote cooperation and knowledge transfer between fire departments worldwide. In this sense, the training exam in Pettendorf is an example of successful international cooperation and shows how important continuous training and a strong network idea are for the safety of the population.