Jena, August 29, 2026. The height rescue unit of the Jena Professional Fire Department looks back on a four-decade history. On Friday, August 28, 2026, the specialized team celebrated its 40th anniversary with a commemorative event at the JenTower.
- Event: 40 years of Height Rescue (SRHT) of the Jena Professional Fire Department
- Date: Anniversary celebration on August 28, 2026
- Location: JenTower Jena
- Core Task: Rescue from heights, depths, and difficult-to-access areas
The anniversary day focused on professional exchange with height rescue groups from Thuringia as well as insights into the technical development of Special Rescue from Heights and Depths (SRHT). In addition to representatives from the Jena Professional Fire Department, units from Gera, the Ilm-Kreis district, and the Bergwacht Thüringen also participated in the event. A demonstration descent from the 159.60-meter-high JenTower, planned as a highlight, had to be postponed due to weather conditions and is to be rescheduled soon.
Significance for Urban Safety
Mayor and Head of Security Benjamin Koppe emphasized the indispensable role of the special unit during the festivities: In a modern city like Jena with numerous high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, and construction sites, conventional equipment regularly reaches its limits. The team, currently consisting of 28 specially qualified height rescuers, covers these critical situations and makes a decisive contribution to the protection of the population.
The unit is alerted to approximately 30 to 40 incidents annually, where people must be rescued from emergency situations that are inaccessible via classic rescue routes.
Background: Requirements and Training of Height Rescuers
Qualification as a height rescuer is obtained in addition to regular service in emergency medical services or the watch departments of the professional fire department. To cope with the high physical and psychological demands of operations, the personnel undergo a rigorous training program:
- Completion of at least 72 mandatory training hours per year
- Weekly training (every Thursday) under realistic conditions
- High requirements for physical fitness, absolute freedom from vertigo, and psychological resilience
- Mastery of complex rope and safety systems while maintaining traditional knot and securing techniques
In addition to reviewing the technical development of equipment—from simple ropes to modern safety harnesses—the anniversary at the JenTower provided a framework to thank the emergency personnel for their continuous commitment and high level of operational readiness.
Source:
40 Years of Height Rescue in Jena
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.