On February 10, 2026, our long-time head of Department 3 "Building Services and Depot" and honorary head of the Kevelaer fire department Heiner Schraml passed away.
With his death, the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer has lost a special person who was committed to the interests of our town in many different ways.
Heiner Schraml joined the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer on January 1, 1986 as a technical employee in the building administration office. In 1991, he was appointed Head of the Building Construction Office and on August 1, 2008, he took over as Head of Department 3 "Building Services and Depot". He held this position until he retired on March 31, 2017.
During this time, Heiner Schraml has initiated and supported numerous projects, such as the new buildings of the Twisteden, Wetten and Winnekendonk meeting places, the depot and the municipal utilities as well as the stadium roofing of the Hülsparkstadion. He was also significantly involved in the conversion of the Spatzennest kindergarten, the fire stations in Kevelaer and Winnekendonk, the St. Franziskus elementary school in Twisteden and many other projects that still shape our cityscape today.
Heiner Schraml was greatly appreciated by all contacts inside and outside the city administration for his competent work, his determined commitment and his great willingness to help.
Heiner Schraml was also a valued member of the Kevelaer volunteer fire department for several decades. In 1986, he was appointed town fire chief and chief of the Kevelaer fire brigade. He held this position until his retirement as head of the Kevelaer fire department on May 22, 2013. During this time, he shaped the volunteer fire department as a leader and supported the training and further education of subsequent leaders to a great extent. On his initiative, a youth fire department was founded in 1985 as a pillar for recruiting young firefighters. Many major operations were led by him. He was also responsible for event security during the Pope's visit.
For his special services to the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer, he was appointed honorary fire chief by the town council. In Heiner Schraml, the Kevelaer fire department has lost a formative and highly esteemed personality who worked for others with extraordinary commitment and great solidarity - in the spirit of the motto "God to honor, neighbor to defend".
We pay tribute to a valuable colleague, comrade and person whom we will remember with gratitude. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and all those who were close to him.
Dr. Dominik Pichler Thomas Fehst
Mayor Head of the fire department