On Thursday 7 January 2016, emergency services representatives joined Luxembourg Minister of the Interior, Dan Kersch, for the traditional New Year reception at the 'Kultursall' in Steinsel.

Minister Kersch spoke at the event, highlighting the creation of a Grand Ducal fire and rescue body with the objective of enabling citizens with access to a high quality rescue service from any point in the country.

"We need all of you to achieve this goal," the Minister urged, explaining that "The bill has opened new perspectives. It has also raised expectations, which we must address together."

Minister Kersch then thanked all collaborators involved in this extensive project, stating that "Modernising and improving the training of members of rescue services throughout the national territory is a key element in the reform of the emergency services."

The development of relevant regulations is currently underway, with the priority to ensure a solid basic education to professional and voluntary staff. This will be provided through the creation of the National Emergency Training Institute and the establishment of a professional body of teachers.

"Volunteers are the heart of the current emergency services," continued Dan Kersch. "The emergency system is based on the complementarity between volunteers and professionals."

Volunteers currently constitute 95% of emergency services staff and are involved in the majority of interventions, with the Interior Minister claiming their role would only continue to grow in the new services system, which will aim to implement measures recognising their engagement. "Volunteers will benefit from a clean system of social protection through their commitment," promised Minister Kersch.

The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Body (CGDIS) will also continue to direct itself towards Luxembourg's youth, with young firefighters representing a significant recruitment pool. Staff strengthening and recruitment in all areas was announced by the Minister to be expected to continue in 2016.

As a result, the current building in Rue Robert Stümper will no longer be able to receive new staff and part of the emergency services administration will be relocated to Rue Christophe Plantin. The Central Emergency Services, as well as the IT department, will remain in the original building.

 

Photo by Ministry of the Interior (L-R: Jean-Pierre Klein; Dan Kersch)