Fire brigade youth inspires in St. Lorenzen: A competition of the records!

Fire brigade youth inspires in St. Lorenzen: A competition of the records!

Over 50 youth groups of fire brigades gathered on May 31, 2025 in St. Lorenzen in the Gitschtal to demonstrate their skills at the district competitions of the fire brigade youth (FWJ) from the districts of Hermagor and Spittal an der Drau. In splendid weather, more than 200 individual applicants and 52 groups competed to win the fire brigade youth performance badge in bronze and silver. A guest group from Schwabegg (Völkermarkt district) was also represented and ensured additional team spirit and friendly competition.

The district competitions are part of the training year and are particularly important for promoting young talent within the fire brigade. This event changes annually between the Hermagor and Spittal districts, with the Hermagor district taking over the organization every four years. The fire brigades St. Lorenzen, Jadersdorf, Lassendorf and Weißbriach provided a smooth process through their active help. District youth officer Franz Pfaffenberger held the management of the competition, supported by 70 helpers, including evaluators and folders.

impressive achievements of young people

The participants were able to show their skills in various disciplines, with team spirit, precision and fire brigade knowledge in particular. In the bronze category, the groups Hermagor 1 (Hermagor district) and Hühnersberg (Spittal district) achieved first place, while the silver medal went to Hermagor 1 and Untertweng. The group of girls from Irschen, which took first place in the girls' classification both in the bronze and silver ranking, was particularly outstanding.

In the individual competition, the participants left the spectators with exciting duels. Oskar Ebenwaldner and Johanna Millonig (both FWJ Matschiedl) and Tobias Hubmann (FWJ Hermagor) convinced in the Hermagor district. Philip Oberegger (FWJ Treffling), Jonas Leber (FWJ Kaning) and Alexander Bestenbner (FWJ Irschen) prevailed from the Spittal district.

guests of honor and thanksgiving

Numerous guests of honor were present at this impressive event, including the state fire brigade commander Rudolf Robin and district captain Heinz Pansi. They were very impressed by the commitment and motivation of the young participants. The fire brigade youth also expressly thanks the sponsors and donors who make such an event possible.

The district competitions are not only an excellent opportunity for young people to test their skills, but also promote social skills and team spirit. This type of events shows how important the young fire brigade is for future security and commitment in the communities. In addition, similar initiatives, such as the introduction of children's fire brigades in different federal states, are a sign that the enthusiasm for the fire brigade should be promoted at a young age, as reported.

Youth is after all our future, and every step counts in the right direction. In this sense, it is said for the parents that they continue to support their offspring in this exciting leisure activity!