Guttaring Fire Department: Four generations working for the community!

Guttaring Fire Department: Four generations working for the community!

The Guttaring Volunteer Fire Department is not only an important part of the local community, but also an impressive example of cross-generational passion and commitment. On October 28, 2025, it was announced that the fire department had applied for the MeinBezirk club competition. The application was submitted by the Pirolt/Bornik family, who have been active and passionate in the fire service for over 70 years. This family is a well-rehearsed team and consists of several generations: great-grandpa Hubert Bornik, grandpa August Pirolt, the grandchildren Marco and Alexander Pirolt, and the two great-grandchildren Leo and Elias.

From passion to responsibility – this is what Deputy Commander Alexander Pirolt shows impressively in his statements. “Our family lives the fire service,” he says, describing the deep solidarity and values ​​that have been cultivated over many years. The members of the youth fire brigade are on active missions, while the older generations pass on their knowledge and experiences.

An active village life

The Guttaring fire department is not only known for its firefighting and rescue operations, but also plays an active role in village life. Among other things, she organizes an open day during the grocery markets, where the comrades are responsible for the catering and offer delicious Wienerschnitzel with potato salad. At the end of a market day, people are invited to the blue light disco in the armory, which turns the fire department into a social center.

In 2024, the fire department was able to record a total of 10,000 voluntary working hours, which shows how committed the Guttaring comrades are. Community fire brigade commander Andreas Ladstätter reported 9 fire and 108 technical operations, with a flood operation on July 11th particularly standing out. The forces were in continuous operation here for over 24 hours, supported by neighboring fire departments from Althofen, Kappel and Passering.

Focus on young talent

Young talent work is a central point at the Guttaring fire department. In 2024, 2,700 hours were invested in youth development. This commitment is reflected, among other things, in the successful transfer of four young people from the fire brigade youth into active service. This not only underlines the importance of youth fire departments for future disaster protection, but also the need to inspire young people to do voluntary work, as described in a report on the future of young talent in volunteer fire departments.

The award given to long-standing members is further proof of the appreciation in the fire department. August and Alexander Pirolt were honored with the Medal of the State of Carinthia for their services. Mayor Günther Kernle and other representatives of the market town were proud of the fire department's achievements and emphasized the important cooperation between the fire department and the police.

The Guttaring Volunteer Fire Department is therefore more than just an emergency force - it is a living part of village life and a place where generations work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Its members, from the youngest to the most experienced, live the motto “cohesion and community” with heart and commitment in every effort and at every celebration.