30 years in volunteering: Gerhard Panhofer and the fire brigade Perg

30 years in volunteering: Gerhard Panhofer and the fire brigade Perg

perg. The Perg volunteer fire brigade can look back on an impressive story, and at the top is commander Gerhard Panhofer, who has been burning for his volunteering for three decades. Whether with operations in fires, floods or traffic accidents, the 46-year-old and his committed team are available in critical moments to help. "The most beautiful thing about our work is when we can support people in need," explains Panhofer.

as a farmer with a pig fattening in Weinzierl, he brings a high degree of commitment. Despite the emotional and physical stresses that bring numerous missions, Panhofer invests around 25 hours in his fire brigade every week. "I never regretted to enter the fire brigade when I was 16," he said with conviction. He has headed the Perg volunteer fire brigade since 2017, and in 2018 he was officially elected as commander.

Commitment and cohesion in the fire brigade youth

The number of members of the Perg volunteer fire brigade is 140, including four women and 22 young members in the fire brigade youth, which Panhofer is particularly proud of. "Our youngsters do their best, train hard and find a place where they can use and experience the cohesion," said the commander. The fire brigade youth is a living community and regularly participates in competitions.

Gerhard Panhofer is also the father of two sons who are also active in the fire brigade at the age of 13 and 17. This makes it clear the family commitment that prevails in the volunteer fire brigade.

tasks and challenges

The main task of the Perg volunteer fire brigade is to coping with traffic accidents, while major fires have become rare in the region. Panhofer describes the stressful operations that often also cost human lives as particularly difficult. "After such missions, we always carry out a detailed debriefing to process what you have experienced. The spoken word makes it easier to deal with what has been experienced," he explains. In extremely stressful situations, Pastor Hörmanseder also supports the emergency services.

Gerhard Panhofer has announced that it will remain in office until 2028, which is the end of his second term. "Then I would like to make space for a successor and hand over the responsibility," he says optimistically and looks at the future of the fire brigade.

An upcoming highlight awaits the fire brigade youth on November 30th when 560 young florian from 48 fire brigades of the district of Perg will take their knowledge test in the Perg fire station. Eleven children from FF Perg will also take part and demonstrate their skills. Such events not only promote further training, but also strengthen the community spirit within the fire brigade.