A Historical Firefighting Vehicle Finds a New Home in the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg
Retired firefighter, with 40 years of experience, visits the museum.
In the heart of northern Germany lies a small community named Ehestorf-Alvesen, home to a Volunteer Fire Department that has served its residents for generations. One of its most iconic vehicles, Pump Tender 8, has recently found a new home at the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, where it will be preserved and showcased for generations to come.
The Pump Tender 8: A Symbol of Community Spirit
Pump Tender 8, or "Löschgruppenfahrzeug 8" as it is known locally, was a vital firefighting vehicle that played a significant role in the community's history. Introduced in the mid-20th century, this vehicle was instrumental in providing rapid water supply and firefighting support, especially in areas where access to hydrants was limited.
From Firefighting Duty to Museum Exhibit
As technology advanced, newer firefighting vehicles were introduced, and Pump Tender 8 was eventually retired from active service. Recognising its historical and cultural significance, the authorities and the Ehestorf-Alvesen fire department decided to preserve the legacy of Pump Tender 8.
The Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, located near Hamburg, offers a unique platform for preserving rural heritage, culture, and technology. Pump Tender 8 represents an important chapter in the history of rural firefighting and community-based volunteer fire protection. By transferring the vehicle to this museum, its preservation and public display are ensured, providing visitors with an authentic look at mid-20th-century firefighting equipment and the proud tradition of volunteer firefighters in northern Germany.
A New Chapter Begins at the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg
At the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, Pump Tender 8 is exhibited as part of the fire brigade collection. Visitors can learn about its service history, technical specifications, and role in the community. The museum uses the vehicle to educate visitors about the evolution of firefighting technology and the spirit of volunteerism in rural areas.
The Legacy of Pump Tender 8
The legacy of Pump Tender 8 extends beyond its service as a firefighting vehicle. It represents the spirit of volunteerism and community spirit that has been a cornerstone of Ehestorf-Alvesen for decades. As the vehicle takes its place in the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, it serves as a powerful reminder of the past, a testament to the present, and a beacon for the future.
For more information about Pump Tender 8, its service history, and the Volunteer Fire Department Ehestorf-Alvesen, feel free to reach out. We would be happy to provide additional details about this remarkable piece of history.
In the new home at the Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg, Pump Tender 8 is showcased as a symbol of another time, demonstrating a change in lifestyle from firefighting duty to home-and-garden exhibit. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to learn about this piece of rural heritage, as it showcases the home-and-garden lifestyle of mid-20th-century firefighting equipment, representing a different other lifestyle for the community of Ehestorf-Alvesen.
