Bayern THW Commemorates 75 Years: A Decade-Long Dedication to Public Safety: THW Bayern marks its anniversary, reflecting on a poignant history centered around safeguarding the population.
Celebrating 75 Years of Service: The THW in Bavaria
The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) in Bavaria, a vital part of Germany's civil protection, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Founded on August 22, 1950, by Otto Lummitzsch, the THW was initially established to protect the population from the effects of war and clear up after World War II.
In its early days, the THW in Bavaria was a modest organisation with around 20 local associations, approximately 1,000 volunteer personnel, and a few professional staff. Nuremberg, one of the oldest local associations, was founded in 1950 as one of the first nationwide.
As the years passed, the THW's focus shifted. With the end of the Cold War, it started to support disaster relief efforts of the federal states. After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the THW expanded its competencies in emergency supply and emergency restoration. Today, around 16,000 people volunteer in their free time for the THW in 111 local associations in Bavaria, with only around 300 people working full-time.
The THW's expertise and diverse experiences make it a sought-after supporter for fire services, police, aid organisations, and others. The THW Bavaria has gained international significance in recent years by providing technical assistance and expertise during emergencies and disasters worldwide.
The THW has been deployed worldwide on behalf of the federal government, including technical and logistical assistance within the framework of the European Unionโs civil protection mechanism and on behalf of UN organisations. In 2023, the THW in Bavaria provided technical assistance abroad, such as rebuilding bridges and restoring roads in Slovenia.
Domestically, the THW in Bavaria has been involved in numerous disaster relief efforts, such as the flood disaster in southern Bavaria caused by the low-pressure system "Orinoco" in 2021. The THW also supported local efforts in Turkey in 2023 after a severe earthquake, searching for and rescuing trapped persons and ensuring power supply.
The THW's special forces for international deployments are particularly noteworthy. They are specialized in treating contaminated drinking water and pumping out large amounts of water in flooded areas, up to 15,000 liters per minute.
Six volunteer personnel from the local associations of Bayreuth, Selb, Ingolstadt, Aschaffenburg, Freising, and Simbach have been members of THW Bavaria for over 70 years. This commitment to service is a testament to the THW's enduring impact and the dedication of its volunteers.
The THW is a vital part of Germany's civil protection, with a commitment of over 80,000 volunteers nationwide forming the basis for its work. As the world continues to face various emergencies and disasters, the THW's role in providing effective civil protection and humanitarian aid remains crucial.
As the THW in Bavaria celebrates its 75th anniversary, it looks forward to continuing its mission of protecting and serving the community, both at home and abroad.
