To mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the avalanche warning service, deserving members of avalanche commissions were honored by the state of Styria in the White Hall of Graz Castle.

Erich Krainer, chairman of the Turnau avalanche warning commission, is one of only three individuals who have dedicated themselves to their voluntary work in service to the public from its inception to the present day – a total of 50 years. He was given special recognition for this during the ceremony.

The Turnau avalanche commission members Andreas Payer, Rudolf Fluch, Dominik Leodolter, and Martin Leodolter were also honored. Mayor Stefan Hofer, a member of the Styrian Parliament, was also present at Graz Castle and warmly congratulated the honorees.

In his keynote address, Alexander Podesser, former head of the Geosphere Austria regional office and a long-time leader of the avalanche warning service, outlined its development. The avalanche warning service supports and advises the mayor, acting as the local disaster control authority, and the district administrative authority.

Much has changed in the past five decades: new technologies, digital measuring systems, satellite data, and modern communication channels. But one thing has remained the same – the sense of responsibility and the passion of all those who, with great expertise and dedication, ensure safety in our alpine region.

Bildtext v.l.: HR Mag. Harald Eitner (Leiter der Fachabteilung für Katastrophenschutz und Landesverteidigung), Andreas Payer, Martin Leodolter, Erich Krainer, Dominik Leodolter, Rudolf Fluch, Bgm. LAbg. Stefan Hofer, KO LAbg. Marco Triller (© Land Steiermark/Robert Binder)