Kerken celebrates: 10 young fire department heroes win performance clasps!

Kerken celebrates: 10 young fire department heroes win performance clasps!

KERKEN.An exciting day for 290 young people from 27 youth fire departments in North Rhine-Westphalia recently took place in Bonn-Beuel. The occasion was the acceptance of the 2024 performance clasp, the highest award that a young person can achieve within the youth fire department. Among the participants were two youth fire departments from the Kleve district, namely the Kerken youth fire department and the Goch/Uedem youth fire department. Together with their team of trainers, they embarked on a journey to this important event.

The young people were challenged to complete five different tasks. These included the disciplines of shot put, a hose relay, taking water from an open body of water, a relay race and technical knowledge of fire department-specific questions. The participants from the Kerken youth fire department – ​​consisting of three girls and seven boys – mastered these challenges with impressive commitment and skill. At the end of the day, each of them proudly held the performance clasp in their hands.

Preparation and support

Successful completion of the exams is the result of hard work and intensive preparation in the months leading up to the event. The young people took part in numerous additional training events in order to optimally prepare themselves for the requirements. The young firefighters sent a special thank you to their trainers in Kerken, who worked tirelessly with them, as well as to the ladies Dicks and Tophoven from TSV Nieukerk, who offered the young people valuable support in the sporting area.

This event not only highlights the importance of community and teamwork within youth fire departments, but also the commitment of the instructors who are passionate about training the next generation of little rescuers. The achievement bar is more than just an award; it symbolizes the skills learned and the willingness of young people to act selflessly in an emergency.

The acceptance itself was characterized by a feeling of camaraderie that linked all participants together. In a place where so many talented and committed young people came together, an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement emerged. Even though the day in Bonn-Beuel may have been nerve-wracking for some, the team spirit ensured that everyone was capable of top performance. The successes should continue to provide motivation in the future and help the young people make further progress in their development.

Overall, taking part in the 2024 performance bracket was a significant event for the Kerken youth fire department and its colleagues. The young firefighters have proven that they are not only willing to learn, but are also able to work together to achieve results that can make them proud. These experiences will always accompany you on your further path in the fire service and beyond.