Bad Orbs police chief Axel Pauli is retiring after 43 years!

Bad Orbs police chief Axel Pauli is retiring after 43 years!

Axel Pauli, the long-time head of the Bad Orb police station, is retiring after almost 43 years of service to the Hessian police. At the end of July 2025, the 60-year-old will end his career, in which he has left an important mark. The father of three children began his career in October 1982 and has since worked in many positions in the police service. In 1985 he successfully completed his training as a police officer and from 1988 to 1990 gained valuable experience as an operations officer at the Frankfurt police headquarters. This was followed by further specialist service and management positions within the Main-Kinzig police department, including in Bad Orb, Hanau, Schlüchtern and Gelnhausen.

In July 2022, Pauli took over management of the Bad Orb police station and has since gained the trust of his colleagues and the population. In his farewell speech, Police Chief Daniel Muth praised Pauli's commitment and his clear leadership style, which promotes both respect and appreciation. “We would like to thank him very much for his commitment and openness in our collaboration,” said Muth.

A look at the future

What does the outgoing police chief plan to do after he steps down? Axel Pauli wants to use his newfound free time wisely. “I want to spend more time with my family and also pursue my hobbies, such as music and motorcycling,” said Pauli optimistically about the coming months.

With Pauli's retirement, Franz Josef Hiery, 58 years old and an experienced police officer, will succeed him. Hiery brings with him extensive experience from the police and criminal police, which will be of great importance for the police in Bad Orb.

Retirement for civil servants

In Germany, civil servants, including police officers, are often allowed to retire at the age of 60. However, this regulation is causing discussions, as Tagesschau reports. Experts are calling for an increase in the retirement age for civil servants. The topic is in the context of demographic change, which also makes it more difficult to recruit new people. While new administrators and teachers will have to work until they are 67 in the future, police officers are often allowed to leave the workforce earlier.

Although Axel Pauli is now taking his place in retirement, his legacy at the Bad Orb police station remains, and the challenges for his successor are not diminishing. At a time when the demands placed on the police are constantly changing, it is particularly important to have experienced employees on board.