Royal decoration for Joop de Groot
For his years of voluntary work with the Zoetermeer Rescue Brigade, Joop de Groot was appointed Member in the Order of Orange Nassau on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Mr. De Groot lives in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp, but because he performed voluntary work in Zoetermeer, he received the special royal decoration from the hands of the mayor of Zoetermeer, Michel Bezuijen.
Mr. De Groot began his volunteer career in 1990 as secretary of the executive committee, but soon took on greater responsibilities. As second chairman, he played an important role in the construction of the clubhouse, an important milestone for the Zoetermeer Reddingsbrigade. Between 1992 and 1999 he was chairman, a period in which, among other things, he professionalized first aid and established the Team Collegiate Reception to support colleagues after major events. In addition, Mr. De Groot ensured the construction of a boathouse for the lifeboats, managed the finances as treasurer for many years, and was active as confidant and chairman of the Collegial Reception Team.
"We can safely call Mr. De Groot's selfless commitment to and dedication to the Zoetermeer Rescue Brigade above average," spoke Mayor Bezuijen, "It is fantastic that the Zoetermeer Rescue Brigade has been able to count on him for over 34 years."
