The matter is quite historical: With Heidi Bernhard and Theresa Schmid, two women are being trained as fire fighters for the first time in Riegsee.
A first in local history.
However, the two 19-year-olds definitely feel they are up to the task.
Riegsee - They hadn't expected such a force after all. “There's really good steam on it,” admits Heidi Bernhard. Her gaze wanders to her friend Theresa Schmid. She nods in confirmation. “Yes, it left me a meter behind.” During a training session in Hofheim, the two young women from Riegsee operated a fire hose themselves for the first time. “A special experience,” emphasizes Florian Ebner - and smiles at his two protégés. "But no worry. It's no different for the boys. "
The deputy commander of the Riegsee fire brigade is sitting with the two 19-year-olds in the tool shed next to the general store.
What the three of them are talking about is - yes, you can put it this way - a thoroughly historic event for the village of 800 people: With Heidi Bernhard and Theresa Schmid, two women are trained to be fire fighters for the first time.
A first in local history.
In the past "not everyone would have been enthusiastic"
There are various reasons why it had to take until 2021 for this. On the one hand, of course, the traditional and well-established structures whose crusts always begin to crumble a little later in the village than elsewhere. “A few years ago, probably not everyone would have been enthusiastic,” admits Ebner. In the quarter of a century to which he is now a member of the Riegsee fire brigade, a lot has happened. “The team has gotten younger,” he says. "And more open." Critical voices about the commitment of the two women are now in vain. On the contrary. "We're all brutally happy that the two of them want to lend a hand - it's great."
The second reason is simply a pragmatic one.
Until recently there was only one toilet and shower in the fire station.
In order to be able to accommodate women, however, separate sanitary areas are compulsory.
Since these were retrofitted, however, last summer Commander Markus Veit sought a conversation with Heidi Bernhard and Theresa Schmid, who a few years earlier had already expressed their interest in the fire brigade in vain for the reasons mentioned.
This time it worked.
“I was there right away,” emphasizes Schmid.
“I might not have dared to do it alone,” says Bernhard.
"But it was ideal for two."
No stupid sayings in the direction of the two women
Since then, the two have participated in three training units. Twice theory, once practice. Keyword: fire hose. “It was really fun,” says Heidi Bernhard. They don't mind that they are the only women among the apprentices who come from Uffing, Spatzenhausen, Seehausen or the Schöffau. “We are treated like everyone else,” assures Theresa Schmid. No stupid sayings, no funny looks, nothing. “There's nothing to complain about,” says Bernhard, who is currently completing an apprenticeship at the tourist information office in Murnau. And if it does, the carving student Theresa Schmid shoves afterwards, "then you know how to defend us".
With that healthy self-confidence, the two also tackle their duties in the fire service.
When they can complete their training is currently in the stars due to a recently imposed Corona compulsory break.
When the time comes, however, they don't want to shy away from a job.
“The men are definitely stronger than us,” says Theresa Schmid.
"But I think we can do everything." A view that Florian Ebner encourages.
Sure, he wouldn't necessarily let the two of them heave the big pump out of the emergency vehicle.
“But we have others for that.” Otherwise, the Vice-Commander doesn't see any restrictions either.
"You are then fully-fledged emergency services - of course."
Mayor Jörg Steinleitner enthusiastically: "This marks the beginning of a new era"
Mayor Jörg Steinleitner sees the female growth in the Riegsee fire brigade as positive throughout.
"You can say that a new era is beginning," he clarifies.
His hope is that the example of Heidi Bernhard and Theresa Schmid will soon catch on.
“Our clubs and volunteer work absolutely need both genders.” Especially in smaller towns it is fatal not to take half of the population into account in such matters.
"I would be very, very happy if the two of them serve as role models for many more young girls."
Or as Theresa Schmid puts it with a smile: "We feel really well received - but we wouldn't be sad if a few more of us were to join us."
