Memorial March

City and Fire Department Commemorate Fatal Accident That Occurred 20 Years Ago

June 19, 2026, marked the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the history of the Wolmirstedt Fire Department—and thus also for the entire city and its surrounding neighborhoods.

On June 19, 2006, four young members of the local fire department were killed in a traffic accident while on their way to a training exercise. The incident deeply shocked not only the victims’ families but also many residents.

To commemorate the event, the Wolmirstedt Fire Department organized a memorial march to the site of the accident on the 20th anniversary, in which all local fire departments participated. At the site of the accident, Pastor and emergency chaplain Johannes Könitz said a few words. Wolmirstedt Fire Chief Yves Hummelt, City Fire Chief Michael Langrock, Mayor Mike Steffens, Glindenberg’s Mayor Gerhild Schmidt, District Administrator Martin Stichnoth, and many other guests laid wreaths and flowers at the memorial stone and paused to honor the deceased.

Firefighting means standing up for others. This often happens behind the scenes and usually without any expectation of recognition. The four who lost their lives embodied precisely this spirit: taking responsibility and providing help when others are in need. Their deaths have painfully reminded the citizens of Wolmirstedt that assistance should never be taken for granted. Behind every uniform are people, families, and life stories.

The memorial service was therefore much more than a mere look back. It was intended to serve as a sign of respect and gratitude and to symbolize a promise to preserve the memory of those who died far too soon and to honor their legacy.

Sincerely,
, the Wolmirstedt Volunteer Fire Department
, and the City of Wolmirstedt