Long-standing Commitment Honored: Merit Cross Awarded for Devoted Service in Bremen's Maritime Rescue and Cultural Scene with DGzRS and Local Culture.
German Sea Rescue Hero Gerhard Harder Honoured in Bremen
Gerhard Harder, a stalwart of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS), was recently honoured for his exceptional service to the organisation and the nation. The award ceremony took place in the Senate Hall of Bremen Town Hall, with Mayor Bovenschulte presenting the accolade.
The DGzRS, founded in 1865, is Germany's sea rescue service, operating lifeboats and rescuing people in distress at sea primarily along the German North Sea and Baltic coasts. The association, which operates around the clock in all weather conditions, is unique in its reliance on voluntary contributions and crew work, without any government funding.
Harder, born in 1947 in Rostock, served voluntarily on the board of the DGzRS for 18 years, from 2004 to 2022. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in modernising the fleet, strengthening training and rescue capabilities, and maintaining the high standard of the independent, efficient maritime rescue organisation.
Under his leadership, 30 new rescue units were put into service by the DGzRS. This expansion enabled the organisation to respond more effectively to emergencies, saving countless lives in the process.
Mayor Bovenschulte emphasised Harder's significant contributions to saving lives and maritime search and rescue in Germany. In addition, he recognised Harder's commitment to promoting cultural and social projects in Bremen. Harder, who served on the advisory board of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, also supported the rebuilding of the Kunsthalle Bremen.
The award presentation took place on September 9, 2022. The event was a testament to Harder's dedication and the impact he has had on the DGzRS and the lives of those it serves.
Harder, who remains a voluntary advisory board member and member of the decision-making body for the DGzRS, stated that serving voluntarily on the board of the DGzRS for nearly two decades was a great honour, and contributing to saving lives was his motivation and source of daily enthusiasm.
More than 1,000 volunteers on 60 rescue units of the DGzRS are in action about 2,000 times a year. The DGzRS is responsible for search and rescue operations on the North and Baltic Seas. Over its long history, the organisation has saved tens of thousands of lives, launching rescues in harsh conditions and pioneering new rescue vessel technologies.
Harder's service to the DGzRS and Germany is a shining example of the power of volunteerism and the difference one person can make. His dedication and commitment to the organisation and its mission will continue to inspire future generations of sea rescuers.
Science and health-and-wellness are crucial aspects for maintaining fitness-and-exercise routines among the DGzRS volunteers, as they are on the frontlines in saving lives at sea and need to be in top physical condition. Gerhard Harder, the honouree, consistently advocated for the importance of these factors during his leadership, ensuring that the DGzRS continued to operate effectively and efficiently, even in challenging situations.
