A total of 46 applications were judged for the NRW network award #sicherimDienst, which honours projects aimed at improving protection and safety for public service employees in Düsseldorf. The networking prize was presented on Friday, 13 November 2026, at the Interior Ministry of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. A state jury selected the winning projects across the categories prevention, intervention, aftercare and overall concept, and also named a special prize recipient. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul said employees in the public service are repeatedly subjected to verbal attacks or even physical violence, and stressed the need for better protection in daily work. In the prevention category, the City of Hagen won for a long-term concept based on systematic risk assessments and targeted protective measures. The University Hospital Münster took second place with a campaign designed to raise awareness by actively involving staff. For intervention, Sparkasse Essen received recognition for a structured approach to incidents, including cooperation between actors and support services that include psychological care. The Berufskolleg Ahlen won second place for an innovative, data protection-compliant app that offers quick, uncomplicated help in critical situations. In aftercare, the City of Warendorf was awarded for a low-threshold, victim-focused concept. Employees are proactively contacted after stressful events and given immediate support options. Second place went to Blaulicht e. V. with its ECHO project, which connects first responders with a network of psychotherapeutic specialists. The special prize went to the Elisabeth Hospital Essen. After a serious violent incident in 2024, the hospital introduced comprehensive consequences and expanded its workplace protections, including an open learning culture and systematic evaluation, while sharing lessons with other institutions. The Friedrich Spee Grammar School Geldern also received special mention for a student-developed campaign promoting respect and appreciation for first responders. The event was moderated by RADIO NRW and featured performances by the State Police Orchestra of North Rhine-Westphalia.