Historical Fire Hose Coupling Piece Connecting Fire Stations Rindern (Kleve, Germany) and Millingen aan de Rijn (Netherlands)
European practice of cattle extermination on display at the new LVR-Niederrheinmuseum in Wesel
In the heart of Europe, a unique symbol of international cooperation between fire departments can be found. The historic fire hose coupling piece connecting the fire station Rindern in Kleve, Germany, and Millingen aan de Rijn in the Netherlands, serves as a testament to decades of cross-border collaboration.
Background and Context
Located in close proximity to each other, Rindern in the German district of Kleve and Millingen aan de Rijn in the Netherlands have a shared history of cross-border emergency response. Due to their geographical position, fire departments from these locations have historically relied on coordination for effective firefighting and emergency response. The need for compatibility between fire hose fittings, which often differ by country or region, was a crucial factor in the development of this innovative solution.
Development of the Fire Hose Coupling Piece
The objective was to create a standardized coupling piece that would bridge the differences between German and Dutch fire hose fittings. The resulting coupling acts as an adapter, allowing hoses from one country’s fire department to connect seamlessly with those of the neighboring country. This coupling was one of the early examples of practical cross-border fire service cooperation, involving technical adaptation to overcome national standards differences.
Significance
The coupling facilitated joint firefighting operations, mutual aid, and quicker response times during emergencies. Beyond the practical function, it stands as a symbol of international cooperation at a local level. The partnership between the fire station Rindern and Brandweer Millingen aan de Rijn, which began in 1972 following a large-scale deployment near the border, has inspired or informed similar efforts along other border regions in Europe.
Formal Agreements since 1972
1972 marked the year when formalized cooperation, including the use of the coupling piece, was established. Agreements outlined terms for mutual aid, use of resources across the border, and standard operating procedures. Regular cooperation exercises enhanced the interoperability made possible by the coupling piece. The legal framework ensured legal and administrative clarity for firefighters working across national boundaries.
In 2014, a formal framework for the partnership was established through an agreement between the Dutch Ministry of Justice and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This agreement further strengthened the partnership and solidified the commitment to cross-border cooperation.
Exhibition and Preservation
At the LVR Niederrhein Museum in Wesel, the historical coupling piece is showcased in the "Living with Water" exhibition, a comprehensive exploration of the Lower Rhine region's history and culture. The delegation from the fire station Rindern, led by deputy fire station chief Tobias Vehreschild, attended the exhibition opening and presented the success story of a neighborhood that knows no boundaries in an emergency. The exhibition unit "The EU in Daily Life" presents the cross-border cooperation in an engaging, multimedia, and interactive way - in two languages. An accompanying media guide with interviews and video sequences makes the topic accessible to school classes, families, and Dutch visitors.
The coupling piece, as a historical artifact, serves as a reminder of the practical international collaboration that has taken place over the years. It is a testament to the power of technical solutions in underpinning diplomatic and emergency services cooperation, and a beacon of hope for continued cross-border partnerships in the future.
The historical fire hose coupling piece, showcased at the LVR Niederrhein Museum in the "Living with Water" exhibition, symbolizes a unique acknowledgment of sustainable living and home-and-garden practices, demonstrating a solution that harmonizes the diverse lifestyle needs of neighboring regions. This innovation, born from the shared history of Rindern in Kleve, Germany, and Millingen aan de Rijn in the Netherlands, emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adaptability for seamless cross-border emergency responses.
The placement of the coupling piece in the "The EU in Daily Life" unit, presented in both languages, encourages an engaging conversation about the practical implementation of European unity, promoting connections between various cultures and lifestyles, thereby reinforcing the concept of a united and harmonious sustained living in the heart of Europe.
