Dongen mayor steps up as patron for historic fire brigade volunteers preserving local heritage
Mayor Hans Slagboom has become the first patron of Dongen’s Historical Fire-Fighting Equipment Foundation, supporting volunteers who preserve decades of fire service history. Their work keeps local heritage alive while fostering community connections and honoring emergency responders’ legacy.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| New Patron | Mayor Hans Slagboom |
| Foundation | Dongen Historical Fire-Fighting Equipment Foundation |
| Volunteers’ Combined Service | 236 years |
| Historic Vehicle | Ford C-298-Q (1935), used from 1935–1955, last used in 1960 |
| Upcoming Exhibition | Town hall, second half of 2026 |
| Restoration Project | Jan van der Heyden hand pump (1850) |
| Location | Dongen, Noord-Brabant |
Local governments often support cultural and historical initiatives to preserve regional heritage and strengthen community bonds. The municipality of Dongen plays a role in facilitating such efforts, including partnerships with volunteer organizations that maintain historical artifacts tied to public safety and local history.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Mayor becomes new patron of historical fire-fighting equipment
With great pride, the volunteers of the Dongen Historical Fire-Fighting Equipment Foundation proudly roll out their bright red parade vehicle. Every Monday morning, they gather at the fire station on Oude Baan. But Monday morning, 2 March, was special. Mayor Hans Slagboom paid a visit for a special reason: to sign an agreement making him the foundation’s first patron.
236 years of fire-fighting experience
“We are very happy about this,” says chairman Mathé Koenen (66). His companions Jac Caron (73), Bart Dane (80), Ad Akkermans (72), Wim van Pelt (72), Wim Snoeren (68) and Rian Driessen (80) nod in agreement. Together, they have amassed an impressive 236 years of dedicated service to the Dongen fire brigade.
A proud patron
As he signs the agreement, the mayor praises their long-standing commitment to Dongen society. “Of course I want to be your patron. With skill, courage, and great enthusiasm and camaraderie, the fire brigade has repeatedly stepped up to ensure our local safety. For decades, you have responded to fires. Now that you are older, you are restoring and maintaining Dongen’s historical fire-fighting equipment. This keeps our local history alive and visible. That is important, because it fosters connection. I am happy to support that!” says Mayor Hans Slagboom.
New initiatives
One of the first new initiatives will be an exhibition in the central hall of the town hall in the second half of this year. The foundation is also working hard to restore a historical Dongen Jan van der Heyden hand pump from 1850. They will also be seeking sponsors, as maintenance and restoration require not only time and volunteer effort but also funding.
Resistance assistance
The Ford served as the only fire engine in Dongen from 1935 to 1955. It was used one last time in 1960, as an additional pump during the major Rosario fire. During the Second World War, members of the Dongen resistance regularly used the Ford to travel safely. “Even if there was no fire, the Germans were unlikely to stop a fire engine with its siren blaring for inspection,” says Rian Driessen.
Motivation
The Ford has now been in Dongen’s possession for 91 years. For years, the foundation—“with great thanks to our predecessors”—has worked hard to restore this historical fire engine, a Ford C-298-Q from 1935, to pristine condition, from engine to wooden ladders, hose reels, and paintwork. Foundation chairman Mathé Koenen says: “This vehicle is much more than a beautiful piece of machinery. It holds so many stories. Together with the mayor, we want to ensure that the past and present remain connected. We increasingly hear about emergency responders being threatened. People do not always realise what these responders do for us. Our solidarity and dedication to one another began in the past. We must keep telling that story—it is our source of motivation.”