Berlin Fire Brigade swears in hundreds of emergency personnel

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  500 emergency personnel of the Berlin Fire Brigade stand on the banks of the Spree not far from the Oberbaumbrücke during the central swearing-in ceremony.

• 500 emergency personnel of the Berlin Fire Brigade stand on the banks of the Spree not far from the Oberbaumbrücke during the central swearing-in ceremony.

The Berlin fire brigade swore in around 500 emergency personnel on the banks of the Spree.

According to the Authority, this was the largest swearing-in ceremony since its inception. "I am very happy that they have chosen this so important profession. Please always come back healthy from your missions," said Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD), according to a tweet.

Twice as many firefighters as usual sworn in

A spokesperson for the fire brigade said that the officers who had been recruited within a year were sworn in. There were about twice as many as usual. The firefighters were to take their oath of service at the public act near the Oberbaumbrücke, according to which they are committed to the principles of the free democratic basic order. According to her spokesperson, Spranger said that with the oath they were taking an obligation to exercise their office in accordance with the constitution.

Fire brigade in Berlin responsible for rescue services

In Berlin, the fire brigade is also responsible for organising the rescue service. For years, the rescue service has suffered from overload due to a lack of staff and unnecessary emergency calls. Spranger had recently presented several proposals and measures to improve the situation in the short to medium term.