Dixperloer completes basic training with the Bocholt fire brigade

As a youngster, Damon Tebeest from Dinxperlo was involved in the youth fire brigade in Suderwick. He was then the first Dutchman to complete the basic fire service training programme in Bocholt and is now allowed to accompany all operations as a trained firefighter.

Tebeest began his training in January 2024 and initially learnt the basic activities for the fire service. He then completed training as a radio operator and in technical assistance. In May 2025, Tebeest completed the final stage of basic firefighting training and passed the course to become a breathing apparatus operator.

Dirk Arping, head of the fire brigade, and Marco Heisterkamp, the fire brigade commander of the Suderwick fire brigade, presented Damon Tebeest with the helmet with the "red dot" to mark his successful completion. Tebeest is delighted: "Now I finally have a red dot on my helmet. It shows that I can now also wear breathing apparatus when I'm on duty".

Before Tebeest was allowed to start his training as a firefighter in the Borken district, the former head of the Bocholt fire brigade Thomas Deckers and his deputy Marco Heisterkamp had to enquire with the district government and the association of fire brigades about the legal basis for cross-border training. They received positive feedback without any objections.

From the point of view of the European idea and cross-border co-operation in Bocholt, it is an important signal that the first Dutch youngster has now completed this step within the Bocholt fire brigade. Damon Tebeest is now ready to go and ready for operations in Bocholt, Suderwick and in the border area of the municipality of Dinxperlo/Aalten.