Rüdiger Pultar retires on December 31, 2024 after 24 years as a district chimney sweep (retirement). His successor will be Sascha Stolte. Mario Wachsmuth took over another sweeping district outside the jurisdiction of the city of Salzgitter on 01.09.2024. He will be succeeded by Sven Kreykenbohm. Both successors have successfully prevailed over other applicants in a selection process. The selection is based on aptitude and qualifications in line with the civil service.

First City Councillor and Head of the Department of Public Order Eric Neiseke, together with the authorized district chimney sweeps, carried out the farewell and the appointments. On behalf of Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, he thanked Rüdiger Pultar for his work and wished the new district chimney sweeps a good start to their new responsibilities. In addition to the authorized district chimney sweeps from the other sweeping districts in the Salzgitter area, Christian Malak (Head Master Chimney Sweep Guild Braunschweig), Achim Zöfelt, Head of the Citizen Services and Order Department, and Frank Bonse, Head of the Citizen Services and Order Department, were also present.

The chimney sweep trade is very important and involves complex tasks. In addition, there are new laws and regulations that have to be implemented in day-to-day work. One of the main tasks of chimney sweeps is to ensure the operational and fire safety of combustion systems. As so-called authorized persons, they perform public duties and thus serve public safety. The regulations for taking over a sweeping district are set out in the Chimney Sweep Trade Act. The city of Salzgitter currently supervises 10 sweeping districts.