Energy instead of clichés: Yannic Diehm and his engagement with the fire brigade

Wertheim, 4. May 2025 - The millennial generation is often confronted with prejudices: Critics accuse young people of having a weak work ethic, not caring about social responsibility and instead being constantly engrossed in smartphones and social media. However, these critical voices often forget that there are numerous counter-examples. One such example is Yannic Diehm, IT employee at Lutz Pumpen GmbH in Wertheim. Since his youth, the 28-year-old has been involved in the volunteer fire brigade in Bettingen - a village in the district town of Wertheim with around 800 inhabitants.

While others are already relaxing on the couch in the evening, Yannic Diehm keeps an eye on the pager in his trouser pocket. When the small device sounds the alarm, he is called out - whether for fires, accidents or natural disasters. Without volunteers like him, an important pillar of society would be missing. Around 95 per cent of all firefighters in Germany today are volunteers. "We are proud that our employees not only take responsibility in their professional lives, but also in their free time," says Heinz Lutz, Managing Director of Lutz Holding. Yannic Diehm's commitment to the volunteer fire department impressively demonstrates his team spirit and willingness to help – values that we as a company actively promote and value." Meanwhile, 16 Lutz Pumpen employees are currently active in volunteer fire departments alongside their professional lives.

This is what commitment looks like: around 60 deployments and 30 exercises per year

Since his youth, Yannic Diehm has been involved in the Bettingen Volunteer Fire Department, which was founded in 1875. At the age of ten, he joined the youth fire department to learn about fire protection, technical assistance, and first aid. At regular meetings, he learnt basic firefighting skills, practised using equipment and took part in competitions. He finally joint the active service at the age of 18. Since then, the pager has been his constant companion, calling him into action around 60 times a year. Yannic Diehm and his colleagues provide technical assistance in the event of road accidents and natural disasters, remove hazardous substances and fight fires. "I still remember a mission on the motorway very well. We could see a huge cloud of black smoke from afar. It was a lorry that was on fire," says Diehm.

In addition to deployments, Diehm takes part in exercises and training courses around 30 times a year. He is now not only a squad leader, but also an engineer driver. In this function, he is authorised to operate and maintain fire engines and their equipment. Technology from Lutz Pumpen is also being used. The rescue vehicle with the radio call sign Wertheim 1/52 contains a double diaphragm pump which Diehm can use to pump out leaking liquids such as acids, alkalis, petrol and oil. "The strong team spirit and the certainty that we can help people in need make working for the volunteer fire brigade very valuable for me," says Diehm.

Yannic Diehm inspires young people to volunteer

As deputy head of the youth fire brigade, Yannic Diehm is also actively involved in promoting young talent. "It's a real challenge to get young people to volunteer, as there are so many leisure activities competing for their attention these days," explains Diehm. But his work and that of his colleagues is proving successful. According to the Ministry of the Interior , the number of youth fire brigade members in Baden-Württemberg has risen by 13.5 per cent in recent years. In particular, the number of girls between the ages of six and 17 has increased by 47 percent. "It's a great feeling when young people realise that their involvement in the volunteer fire service can change the world."

About Lutz Holding GmbH

Lutz Holding GmbH has stood for professional fluid management since 1954. The group of companies unites internationally active companies in pump technology as well as water treatment and disinfection and is represented by.16 sales and production sites in over 80 countries. The group includes Lutz Pumpen GmbH in Wertheim, Lutz-Jesco GmbH in Wedemark and Lutz-Jesco Suisse SA in Couvet, Switzerland. The portfolio includes pumps, systems and accessories for dosing, pumping, emptying and mixing processes for a wide range of fluids. Lutz Group products are used in numerous sectors, including the chemical industry, food industry, automotive production, water and waste water treatment and the paint and coatings industry.