Rescue-1 Takes the World Stage at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

When Rescue-1 rolled into INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hannover, Germany, it wasn’t just another fire truck on display.

It was the only U.S. fire truck at the world’s largest gathering of firefighters, rescue professionals, and emergency responders.

Getting there was no small task.

After appearing at FDIC in Indianapolis, Rescue-1 traveled to the Port of Baltimore, crossed the Atlantic by cargo ship, and arrived in Germany after weeks at sea. It was a journey years in the making—planned, coordinated, and executed by Rosenbauer, Fire Department Coffee’s longtime partner.

For Fire Department Coffee Director of Brand Relations Randy James, seeing Rescue-1 take its place on such a global stage was a moment he won’t soon forget.

“It was truly the honor of a lifetime to be a small part of their large presence at INTERSCHUTZ 2026,” James said.

Rescue-1 exists because of a shared commitment between Fire Department Coffee and Rosenbauer to support firefighters, first responders, and communities affected by natural disasters.

The concept originated with James, who envisioned a mobile platform capable of delivering supplies, support, and assistance wherever it was needed most. Rosenbauer embraced the idea, building and donating the truck that would become Rescue-1.

Since then, the truck has been deployed to disaster zones and emergency response missions, delivering critical supplies and endless cups of coffee to affected communities and the first responders serving them.

Rosenbauer’s decision to bring the actual Rescue-1 truck to Germany speaks volumes about the importance of that mission.

Allison Niendiek, Director of Marketing at Rosenbauer America, said bringing Rescue-1 to INTERSCHUTZ was about showcasing more than a fire truck.

“Bringing Rescue-1 to the Rosenbauer Fanzone was an opportunity to showcase the unique collaboration between Rosenbauer and Fire Department Coffee, while highlighting our ability to build both European and NFPA-standard apparatus,” Niendiek said. “What stood out most was how quickly our global team embraced the Rescue-1 mission — the pride in supporting a humanitarian effort that serves communities during disasters was immediate and meaningful.”

Rather than displaying a similar vehicle or creating a replica, Rosenbauer wanted attendees to experience the real truck and the real story behind it. They went to extraordinary lengths to get Rescue-1 to the event, and the result was well worth the effort.

INTERSCHUTZ drew more than 140,000 visitors from 144 countries, along with more than 1,700 exhibitors, according to event organizers. It was also held in Rosenbauer’s backyard.

While Rosenbauer is one of several major fire apparatus manufacturers in the United States, the company occupies an entirely different position in Europe, where it is the dominant fire truck manufacturer and a leading presence throughout the fire service industry.

That made the invitation even more meaningful. Rescue-1 wasn’t simply attending the event. It was showcased as part of Rosenbauer’s massive presence at the world’s largest gathering of firefighters.

Fire Department Coffee’s European Mission

While Rescue-1 drew attention throughout the event, James and his wife, Charisse, spent six days serving coffee in the Rosenbauer Fanzone, introducing Fire Department Coffee to thousands of attendees.

Over the course of six days, more than 9,000 ticketed guests visited the Rosenbauer Fanzone. James estimates he and Charisse served well over 10,000 coffee samples as firefighters and emergency responders stopped by to experience Rescue-1, meet the Fire Department Coffee team, and sample the company’s coffee.

Salted Caramel proved to be the crowd favorite, followed closely by Dark Roast.

What surprised James most wasn’t the interest in the coffee.

It was how many people already knew the brand.

“It became apparent very quickly that we have fans and support from all over Europe,” he said.

Niendiek said the response exceeded expectations.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Many attendees were already familiar with Fire Department Coffee through social media, and Rescue-1 drew constant attention. One of the most common questions was, ‘Is that the real truck?’ It was clear the mission resonated with firefighters across Europe.”

Firefighters and first responders from across the continent stopped by to say hello, take photos, and talk about Fire Department Coffee’s videos and social media content. Some were wearing Fire Department Coffee apparel. Others wanted to know whether Jason Patton or Firefighter Fenton would be attending the event. (Sadly, they missed out.)

As meaningful as the brand recognition was, James said the most impactful conversations centered on Rescue-1 itself.

Attendees took time to explore the truck and learn more about its capabilities. Some were already familiar with Rescue-1’s deployments and humanitarian mission. Others were learning about it for the first time.

Regardless of where they came from, many immediately understood why the truck exists.

“It was also more rewarding to me personally to see the firefighters from all over the world begin to understand Rescue-1’s true mission,” James said. “They could see and understand all the capabilities it can bring to communities hit with disasters.”

The conversations reinforced something James has witnessed throughout Rescue-1’s deployments.

“People’s basic needs stay the same in disasters, and these first responders knew it and understood Rescue-1’s purpose and role,” he said. “That was very validating to me.”

While emergency response systems may differ from country to country, the need to support communities during times of crisis is universal.

That reality helped create an immediate connection between Rescue-1 and firefighters from around the world.

Humor Has No Borders

The trip also reinforced another lesson.

Firefighters may speak different languages, but they often share the same experiences.

“First responder humor transcends languages, borders, and even continents,” James said.

One of his favorite moments came during a chat with firefighters from Argentina. Despite the language barrier, they instantly bonded over a universal truth: the shared headache of responding to emergency calls that absolutely did not require an ambulance. The exchange quickly turned into laughter—proving that while languages change, the firehouse dynamic stays exactly the same.

The exchange quickly turned into laughter and served as a reminder that firefighters around the world face many of the same challenges.

“It was so rewarding to hear how our content has the ability to lighten the mood a little bit, even for those serving their communities in other countries,” James said. “The challenges for first responders stay the same.”

A Mission That Resonates Worldwide

INTERSCHUTZ 2026 brought together emergency responders from around the globe, creating an opportunity to showcase both Fire Department Coffee and the Rescue-1 mission on an international stage.

For James, the experience offered more than just an opportunity to share coffee and tell stories.

It provided confirmation that the mission behind Rescue-1 resonates far beyond the United States.

Whether they came from Europe, South America, or elsewhere, firefighters understood the value of a resource dedicated to helping communities and first responders when disaster strikes.

And for one week in Germany, Rescue-1 stood as a powerful reminder that service, support, and community have no borders.