Longtime firefighter visits museum following four decades of service.
Historic Firefighting Vehicle Now on Display at Kiekeberg Museum
A significant piece of firefighting history has found a new home at the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg in Rosengarten, Germany. The former pump tender 8 of the Volunteer Fire Department Ehestorf-Alvesen, a vehicle that once served the local communities of Ehestorf and Alvesen, is now on display for visitors to appreciate.
This pump tender, manufactured by Daimler Benz in 1987, is a testament to the development of volunteer fire services in rural areas like Lower Saxony. It represents the type of equipment used by local volunteer firefighters in the mid-20th century, a time when these brave individuals were crucial to the safety of smaller villages.
A Brief History
The pump tender served as "pump tender 8" for the joint fire service covering Ehestorf and Alvesen. Its primary role was to transport firefighting personnel and carry essential equipment, including a portable pump for water supply during firefighting operations. The vehicle's deployment reflects a period when volunteer fire departments were vital to rural safety, relying on versatile vehicles capable of rapid response and adaptable operation in areas without extensive hydrant networks.
A Valuable Addition to the Museum
As a preserved vehicle now displayed at the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, the pump tender serves as a tangible reminder of the tradition of volunteer firefighting and community self-help in rural Germany. The museum, which specializes in rural cultural history, exhibits artifacts and vehicles that showcase everyday life and work in Lower Saxony, making the pump tender a valuable piece within this context.
The vehicle highlights the technical evolution of firefighting equipment and the role of volunteer fire brigades in maintaining public safety before the widespread availability of professional fire services. It also fosters public appreciation of local heritage, volunteer commitment, and the historical challenges faced by communities in fire protection.
A Special Exhibit
Museum Director Stefan Zimmermann considers the pump tender a special exhibit for the museum due to its strong local and regional historical connection. "Village history is closely linked to the history of the clubs of a place," he said. The pump tender served faithfully for almost four decades in the firefighting of the Volunteer Fire Department Ehestorf-Alvesen before its retirement.
The municipality of Rosengarten has handed over the vehicle to the museum management, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The pump tender, with its nine seats and space for equipment, can be seen under the canopy of the agricultural building in the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg.
In summary, the former pump tender 8 epitomizes the dedication and resourcefulness of volunteer firefighters in Ehestorf-Alvesen, and through its preservation at the Kiekeberg Museum, it educates visitors about the history of rural firefighting and community resilience in Lower Saxony.
The addition of the former pump tender 8 to the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg enriches the exhibition, providing an insight into the home-and-garden lifestyle of rural firefighters in Lower Saxony during the mid-20th century. Visitors can now learn about the other lifestyle aspects of the region, as the museum specializes in showcasing everyday life and work, including the agricultural practices and community life of the time.
The preservation of the pump tender at the Kiekeberg Museum is a testament to the commitment of the local communities in preserving their heritage and celebrating the other lifestyle practices that shaped their identity, not just their firefighting history.
