Emergency workers' retirement benefits under scrutiny: Association head advocates for enhanced pension plans for firefighters
Firefighter's Pension: Karl-Heinz Banse Urges Material Recognition for Firefighters
In a recent interview with NOZ, Karl-Heinz Banse, the President of the German Fire Brigade Association, reiterated his call for a special pension for firefighters. Banse emphasised the need for society to recognise the service of firefighters materially, not just in words.
Banse's stance on the issue is not new. For years, the demand for a firefighter's pension has been a topic of discussion in politics and associations, but without concrete implementation. In 2025, representatives and union leaders, including Banse himself, advocated for a "Feuerwehrrente" (firefighters' pension) during election campaigns and various events.
However, Banse suggests that relying on technology alone will not be enough to address the issue of demographic change. The German Fire Brigade Association is already using fire-fighting robots to some extent, but Banse warns of the consequences of demographic change, predicting that many leading figures will disappear in the next four to five years.
To counteract this, Banse mentions that they are relying more on technology such as fire-fighting robots. However, he also advocates for creating incentives for firefighters, not just with empty words, but with actual action. Banse suggests that long-serving firefighters who have been in active service for 20 or 30 years should receive benefits. Potential benefits could include additional pension points or the possibility of retiring earlier without deductions.
The German Fire Brigade Association's current efforts to maintain the number of firefighters include intensive youth work. The number of firefighters is currently stable due to these efforts. However, Banse urges that the service of firefighters should be recognised materially, not just verbally.
The call for a firefighter's pension has been ongoing for a long time, but without successful implementation thus far. Banse states that the issue should be reconsidered to ensure that firefighters are adequately compensated for their life-saving work.
Banse's statements about the need for material recognition and action for firefighters highlight the importance he places on the issue. His advocacy for a firefighter's pension is a continuation of his commitment to recognising the value of firefighters in society.
