Volunteer Fire Brigade Hohenhameln

https://www.ff-hohenhameln.de/index.php/hohenhameln/infos-5/72-geschichte-10

On 22 November 1881, the Hohenhameln Volunteer Fire Brigade was officially established.
This founding date marked a significant milestone in the development of fire protection in the region, as at that time many rural areas still lacked professional fire brigades and relied instead on voluntary, community-led initiatives.

Hohenhameln Volunteer Fire Brigade – Over 140 Years in Service to People and Community
The Hohenhameln Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded on 22 November 1881 – born out of a profound commitment to offering selfless help in times of need and danger. For over a century, men and women have been actively engaged here for the well-being of their fellow citizens and the safety of their village.

Shortly after its founding, the brigade assumed responsibility for the community’s fire pump, and under the leadership of Carl Gieseke, began systematically documenting its activities in May 1882. Commanders have changed over the decades, but the spirit of the brigade – the willingness to save lives and protect property – has always endured.

The evolution of technology is reflected in the development of the equipment: from the manually operated ladder mounted on car axles in the 1950s, through to modern fire engines and breathing apparatus, and finally to specialised emergency vehicles with hydraulic rescue systems. The brigade has consistently adapted to the demands of the time, steadily professionalising its operations.

A tragic chapter in the history of the brigade was the death of comrades Hartmut Oelkers and Otto Oskar Könneker on 10 August 1975 during forest fire operations near Meinersen. Their sacrifice stands as a symbol of the courageous and selfless actions of all fire service members. A memorial still commemorates their dedication.
In addition to its constant operational readiness, the brigade has always exemplified strong community spirit: anniversaries such as the 75th, 100th, and 125th were celebrated with due ceremony – accompanied by competitions, grand military tattoos and formal events that honoured the voluntary service.

Through the construction of modern fire stations, the introduction of radio alarm systems, integration into the district emergency service, and participation in disaster relief operations such as the Elbe floods of 2002 and 2006, the Hohenhameln Volunteer Fire Brigade has repeatedly demonstrated its capability – even beyond the boundaries of the local area.

The history of the fire brigade is a story of solidarity, technological progress, and unwavering service to others. It stands as a prime example of lived volunteerism in rural areas – sustained by generations with the courage to take responsibility.

Water Sources, Ponds and Wells

Anecdotes and Personalities:

Heinrich Niemann – Publican, Horse Dealer and Fire Chief with Tact (in both senses)

Anyone who knew Heinrich Niemann instantly realised: this man held more reins than just those of his horses. As the proprietor of the establishment now known as Kammer or Achillion, and a passionate horse dealer, he brought precisely the right instincts to keep the Hohenhameln Fire Brigade in motion – always with a charming smile and a firm handshake.

With a keen sense for people, and an even keener sense for sociability, he led the brigade with confidence – much like a conductor with his orchestra. He often summarised this sentiment with his trademark phrase:

“The band is the glue that holds my brigade together.”

For Heinrich, a marching drill was good – but a march with music was better. To him, no fire brigade festival, no parade and no bottled beer was truly complete without the right tempo from the local brass band.

His blend of hospitality, negotiating finesse and the right measure of humour made Heinrich Niemann a true character in the history of the Hohenhameln Fire Brigade – one who understood: camaraderie works best with a barrel of beer, a lively march, and a hearty pat on the back.

The Undaunted: Otto Freers and Walter Pfriem

When the cry of “Fire!” rang out in Hohenhameln, Otto Freers was often on the rooftop faster than the smoke. A trained carpenter, he not only knew every roof beam by name, but was entirely unafraid of heights – you could likely have placed him atop the church steeple and he’d have straightened a tile while casually rolling a cigarette.

Otto was unstoppable in action. His legendary appearance during a house fire is still talked about: having already reached the upper floor, he leaned out the window and shouted:

“Move aside!”

Onlookers expected a child, a cat, or perhaps a flower vase to follow. But no – it was a large stone pot filled with plum jam, which crashed to the pavement and exploded into a sticky-sweet mess that spread in all directions. Hohenhameln smelt of compote for days.

Determined to handle the next major fire in a more organised fashion, efforts were made at the Schassesche property on Marktstraße (today Heinzelmann).

Among the residents was railway worker Karl Koch, along with various jars of preserved food. A human chain was quickly formed below to save the jars. In theory, this worked well. In practice, the jars were thrown with such speed – possibly with the precision of a grenade launcher – that the volunteers in the catching line soon fled. Jams, pickles and compote exploded onto the ground in a fruit-filled crescendo. A culinary catastrophe of historical proportions.

And in the midst of it all: Karl Koch. His furniture had been safely evacuated, but the man wept bitterly – his dentures were still in the kitchen.

Thankfully, Walter Pfriem was also on hand – a brave comrade who was evidently undeterred by burning kitchens or “biting” jars of preserves. Without hesitation, he climbed through the window, searched through smoke and syrup and – indeed – recovered the much-needed dentures! With a steady hand, he reunited tooth and man. Hohenhameln rejoiced, Karl Koch bit once more – all was well again.

Wilhelm Busse Senior – Respected, Feared and Never at a Loss for a Blunt Word

Within the ranks of the Hohenhameln Fire Brigade, Wilhelm Busse Senior was a true institution – one to be approached with a healthy measure of respect (and perhaps a safe distance). Anyone who didn’t roll up their hose quickly enough, or who pushed the hose cart a little too casually, could expect one of his infamous “friendly corrections”.

No wonder the saying went around among the firefighters:

“When Old Busse shows up – take cover!”

But behind the gruff tone lay genuine passion. Wilhelm Busse Senior was deeply committed – dependable, dedicated, and always mindful of the bigger picture. Without him, many operations would have been far more chaotic – and far less disciplined.

His son, Wilhelm Busse Junior, is also fondly remembered. Equal to his father in vigour and devotion, his career was sadly cut short: in 1958, he tragically died in an accident – a loss that deeply affected the brigade. Yet his efforts and commitment to the community live on in the memories of his comrades.

Father and son Busse – two names inseparably linked with the history of the Hohenhameln Fire Brigade, whether through stern leadership or quiet example.