Volunteering in Freising: Anton Neumaier says goodbye after 40 years!

Volunteering in Freising: Anton Neumaier says goodbye after 40 years!

An era has come to an end in Freising: Anton Neumaier, the long-time district chairman of the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) Freising, was bid farewell in a warm farewell ceremony. Neumaier had a career in the BRK that spanned over 40 years, including 28 years as first chairman. His work leaves a deep mark, not only in the organization, but also in the entire district. He joined the Youth Red Cross in Moosburg when he was just 13 years old and remembers his first missions well, including a dramatic one when he had to transport a heavily pregnant woman to the hospital at the age of 17. Mercury reports that Neumaier was appointed honorary chairman - an honor that only a few receive.

When he said goodbye, Neumaier emphasized the enormous developments that the BRK underwent during his term of office. The workforce grew from 72 to an impressive 352 people. His successor, Martin Bengler, also did not miss the opportunity to praise Neumaier's achievements and mentioned the close cooperation with district manager Albert Söhl, who also spoke of his long-standing friendship with Neumaier. As a sign of recognition, Neumaier presented Söhl with a Kastulus commemorative coin.

Honors and awards

The farewell party was not only a farewell for Neumaier, but also an opportunity to honor numerous deserving BRK employees. Mayor Martin Ernst from Marzling received the Henry Dunant Medal in silver, while Wolfgang Wengert was presented with the BRK plaque of honor in gold for 20 years as treasurer and Gerhard Weh for 28 years on the board. In addition, special honors were also requested from the regional association for Anton Neumaier and Michael Pulcynski, who is not leaving the board, although details are still pending.

Another side of the BRK became clear in recent weeks when the organization became active during the devastating floods in the Freising district in June. Over 2,000 emergency services, including more than 500 members of the BRK, were deployed to support the population. District Administrator Helmut Petz spoke of the “flood disaster of unimagined proportions”, which not only provided food, but also set up care centers and evacuated many people. The BRK website highlights how important the role of volunteering is in such crisis situations.

Neumaier himself not only highlighted his achievements in the honors, but also the close connection between the BRK and the district office. He and District Administrator Petz jointly honored the emergency services, who were awarded medals for their essential contribution. As part of the celebration, long-standing volunteers were also honored who were not only active during the current flood, but also after the flood in the Ahr Valley three years ago, in which the BRK Freising also provided important help.

All in all, the farewell to Anton Neumaier was not only a personal, but also a collective appreciation for many years of selfless commitment to serving the community. His legacy lives on through the many people who, inspired by his passion and dedication, continue to work at the BRK.