René Kraus becomes the new head of the Chemnitz fire brigade
At its meeting today, the city council elected René Kraus as the new head of the Chemnitz professional fire brigade.
From June 2009 to August 2011, the 44-year-old native of Karl-Marx-Stadt was deputy head of office and head of the control centre, training and technology department at the Mainz professional fire brigade. He then headed the training department of the Saxony State Fire Service and Disaster Control School until July 2013. On 1 August 2013, René Kraus was promoted to head of the school and at the same time was appointed state fire director.
He will take up his new position at the Chemnitz professional fire brigade on 1 October 2018.
Mayor Sven Schulze: "I am delighted that the city of Chemnitz has been able to recruit an outstanding leader in René Kraus to head the fire service. With his extensive experience in practical emergency services and as Head of the State Fire Service School, he will help to ensure that the fire service continues to provide outstanding protection for the people of Chemnitz in the future."
René Kraus: "The role of Fire Chief in Chemnitz is an exciting challenge that I am very happy to take on. Close cooperation with the volunteer fire brigades is particularly important to me, as they are an indispensable part of the Chemnitz fire service."
Background
The Chemnitz fire service consists of the professional fire brigade with around 240 firefighters and 130 other employees as well as 15 volunteer fire brigades in the local districts. In addition to the fire and rescue services, an integrated regional control centre has been operated by the Chemnitz Fire Department since 1 March 2017. The appointment of a new head of department is necessary as the previous incumbent Bernd Marschner will be leaving the department on 30 September 2018 after 39 years of service.