Feuerwehr: profession and volunteers

Germany rests on two shoulders: Berufsfeuerwehr (professionals, big cities only) and Freiwillige Feuerwehr (~1 million volunteers — the backbone!). Joining: from 16 in the FFw, basic course ~3 months, duty roster — siren calls, you go. No pay, but: pension points, insurance, free professional training, great team. Professional path: Berufsfeuerwehr in the Mittlerer Dienst — 2-year apprenticeship + selection.

• ●FFw seeks people: fitness + heart beat strength
• ●Specialties: leader, machinist, breathing apparatus, heavy tech
• ●Firefighter = social status: public trust + network