Gerd Geismann and Sebastian Schaller (from left) thanked (further from left) Eva Wamser, Elisabeth Koschischek, Norbert Schwab and Andreas Hiltl. Lord Mayor Michael Cerny (third from the right) presented the medals on behalf of the Free State.
Image: Dagmar Williamson
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Norbert Schwab, who has been doing voluntary work for the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) for 40 years, was visibly touched. Like three other volunteers, he was honored by THW and the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) in Amberg. Elisabeth Koschischek, Eva Wamser and Andreas Hiltl also received awards.
One of Schwab’s biggest assignments was the 2013 flood and the associated delivery of sandbags to the Elbe. His comrade Andreas Hiltl was honored for 25 years. He was practically born into a life with THW and has spent many hours with his father at the Amberg local branch since early childhood.
At the age of 13, Elisabeth Koschischek was certain: “I want to save lives!” The background: When her brother was still a baby and was struggling to breathe, nobody could provide first aid. From heartbreaking missions to childbirth, in 40 years of BRK membership and 30 years of emergency services, she has seen much suffering, but also many miracles. Eva Wamser found her way to the water rescue service 25 years ago. Since then she has been a lifeguard and also teaches children to swim. Actually, she wanted to work professionally with the smallest of our society. Since things turned out differently, she now supports them on a voluntary basis.
On behalf of the Free State of Bavaria, Amberg’s Mayor Michael Cerny presented the crosses for honorable activities. “Providing help also means doing what others would shy away from,” said the mayor. BRK district chairman Gerd Geismann emphasized that it was only justified to honor these achievements in a special way. BRK district manager Sebastian Schaller described the four award-winning women and men as “pillars” of their organizations “that hold everything together”.
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