When the session opens in Cologne on 11 November, there is a state of emergency - in the best sense of the word. Especially around the Zülpicher Viertel, people sing, laugh and celebrate from every corner. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely, we have been on site as a security service for many years.
"Anyone who knows 11 November in Cologne knows that it gets wet, loud and crowded - every year anew. But that's exactly what makes it so special. Our team is on hand from early to late, whatever the weather, to make sure the fun stays safe. If you can still laugh at the end, you know: We've done it again."
On 11 November, we will be deploying over 200 security personnel in two shifts. Our tasks range from setting up and guarding roadblocks and anti-terror barriers to controlling the flow of visitors at railway stations and intersections.
The so-called „Fun without glass“ barriers are part of our area. Visitors can hand in their glass bottles there or pour drinks into the cups provided by the City of Cologne. In addition, we secure traffic lights, supervise pedestrian crossing systems and ensure at various points that nobody enters dangerous areas or climbs over fences.
If the Zülpich neighbourhood gets too crowded, we will temporarily close the entrances in coordination with the city - this is also part of an orderly security concept.
Like almost every year: the weather. 11 November in Cologne is often wet, windy and cold. Our employees are outside from early in the morning until late at night - that deserves great respect. The set-up starts at around five in the morning and the work often doesn't end until the last revellers are on their way home.
The blocking points are far apart and communication takes place via radio and operations control. Teamwork is particularly important during shift changes or spontaneous changes. Every position has its own dynamics, and sometimes you have to react quickly to defuse situations on site.
The city of Cologne divides the entire area around the street carnival into different security zones. We work hand in hand with two experienced security companies - each of which takes on clearly defined areas.
Our operations management is integrated into the staff of the City of Cologne and is in direct dialogue with the police, fire brigade and event coordinators throughout the day. This means that decisions can be made quickly and measures adapted if visitor numbers or weather conditions change.
Since 11 November 2023, we have been working successfully with Paffen Wach- und Sicherheitsdienst GmbH as part of carnival security in the city of Cologne.
All assigned tasks are fulfilled at all times with the utmost care and to the complete satisfaction of all departments involved. Changes in the situation are responded to immediately, professionally and always in close co-operation with the other emergency services.
Special thanks go to the project managers Mr Oliver Misch and Mr Kevin Wagner, who always impressed with their reliability, accuracy and commitment during preparation and follow-up. The handover, correction and completion of the security staff reporting lists was always complete and timely, so that a smooth police check of the emergency services was guaranteed. Our very detailed security briefings were not only understood by the company's senior staff, but were also communicated to the operational personnel in a sustainable manner.
Based on these positive experiences, we can recommend Paffen Wach- und Sicherheitsdienst GmbH without reservation as a reliable, efficient and co-operation-oriented service provider in the field of event and property security.
"All the tasks assigned to us on the Eleventh in Eleventh in Cologne were completed with great care and to our complete satisfaction."
