The award is in recognition of the fact that Kardex Mlog "has always supported the voluntary commitment of employees in fire departments and aid organizations as well as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief," according to the Ministry of the Interior. Employees would not only be released immediately for ad hoc deployments as part of non-police municipal emergency response, but also for supra-local deployments such as flood disasters like in the Ahr valley, deployment in test centers as part of the fight against the pandemic or for international deployments as part of emergency aid following disasters or catastrophic events. This also applies to participation in training courses, seminars, training events and exercises.

Under certain circumstances, these assignments can last several weeks. For example, Guido Schanz (pictured left) was recently released from work for three weeks for a UN mission during the Ukraine crisis, which placed an additional burden on business operations and the colleagues who had to make up for the absence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Volunteering is the backbone of society and one of the cornerstones of civil protection," emphasized Interior Minister Thomas Strobl in his laudatory speech. "None of this would be possible without employers who fully support their dedicated employees! Volunteering is not just about the outstanding commitment of people in the country who work for the community. It also needs employers who make their contribution and take responsibility."

The "Volunteer-friendly employer in civil protection" award is presented annually by the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is awarded to companies that support their employees in carrying out voluntary work in civil protection.