Recognition of Civil Courage at ORF Vorarlberg

On May 6, 2025, ORF Vorarlberg hosted the awarding ceremony for the Security Awards organized by the Competence Center for Safe Austria (KSÖ) at its regional broadcasting house in Dornbirn. This event was a collaborative initiative involving the Vorarlberg State Police Directorate, Raiffeisenlandesbank Vorarlberg, Vorarlberger Nachrichten, and ORF Vorarlberg.

The awards are presented to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable bravery and have acted decisively in challenging situations, often at personal risk. Twelve residents of Vorarlberg received accolades during this celebratory gathering for their exceptional contributions in support of the Vorarlberg police.

The honorees included Johann Trießnig, Haris Durakovic, Barbara Niederer, Marcel Aberer, Simon Schallert, Dominik Gerold, Günther Neubacher, Nora Fejzaj, Elvis Fejzaj, Petra Liensberger, Heidi Albrich, and Desiree Ruppitsch. Each recipient exemplified the diverse nature of civil courage in Vorarlberg, providing swift assistance during assaults, courageously intervening during burglaries, or acting with prudence in acute danger scenarios. These actions highlight the readiness, courage, and societal responsibility essential in such moments.

During the award ceremony, ORF Vorarlberg's regional director, Markus Klement, welcomed an audience that included many distinguished guests. Following introductory remarks by the President of the State Parliament, Harald Sonderegger, the event's moderator, Christiane Schwald-Pösel from ORF Vorarlberg, engaged in discussions with Michael Alge, the CEO of Raiffeisenlandesbank Vorarlberg, and Alexander Janda, the General Secretary of KSÖ Austria. Both emphasized the importance of taking responsibility in critical moments and noted that such civil courage strengthens societal cohesion. They expressed gratitude to the awardees for their commendable efforts.

The certificates of recognition were presented by Gerhard Ellensohn, Deputy Director of the State Police, and Isabel Russ, Editor-in-Chief of Vorarlberger Nachrichten. The ceremony was enhanced by musical performances from the Vorarlberg Police Band, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

The event attracted a full audience at the ORF Vorarlberg studio, including numerous uniformed police officers from all four district police commands and various police stations in Vorarlberg, as well as notable attendees such as Gunther Hessel (Military Commander of Vorarlberg), Bernhard Heinzle (President of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Labor), and several local politicians and community leaders.