County Derry firefighters honoured for long service and good conduct

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has honoured and recognised a number of employees from County Derry for their long service and good conduct.

NIFRS Long Service and Good Conduct awards ceremony took place at its new Learning & Development College (LDC) in Cookstown last night (Thursday, February 20), which will be officially opened later this year.

ABOVE: FF Buchanan from Limavady station.

A total of 131 employees, who have completed 20, 30 or 40 years of service, were honoured at the event.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings, Chairperson of NIFRS Board Jay Colville and Permanent Secretary Peter May attended the event alongside Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone Robert Scott who presented the awards.

The awards recognise employees in both operational and support roles within NIFRS. The ceremony saw 91 operational and 5 support employees receive 20-year long service medals, 31 operational employees receive 30-year clasps, 1 operational employee receive 40-year clasp and 1 support employee receive the 40 year medallion award.

Employees were also recognised with commendations for three incidents for their actions, professionalism and distinguished conduct.

County Derry employees who were honoured were CC Cooper, from Northland Station, CC Carmichael, CC McGuigan and FF McCloskey, from Dungiven Station, and FF Buchanan, from the Limavady Station.

ABOVE: FF McCloskey, from Dungiven Station.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: “As Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, it is my privilege to publicly recognise and celebrate the long service of our employees across NIFRS. Each colleague receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct award has made a vital contribution to our organisation and the essential service we provide to the community.

“I am delighted that we are hosting our Long Service and Good Conduct awards ceremony in our new LDC in Cookstown. The College has been purpose built to support the training needs of our Firefighters and support employees. The official opening of the site is anticipated for later this year.

“The ceremony is an important occasion to honour their invaluable commitment, dedication and professionalism, highlighting the values and culture that define us as an organisation. They have set a standard of excellence that inspires those around them.

 “It is also important to acknowledge the support of our employees’ families, particularly those who are operational. They face challenging, demanding and often dangerous situations in their duty to protect the community and keep the people of Northern Ireland safe. The unwavering support they receive is invaluable.”

ABOVE: CC Carmichael from Dungiven station.

Chairperson of NIFRS Board Jay Colville added: “On behalf of the NIFRS Board, it is an honour to celebrate the dedication of all 131 employees who are being recognised for their years of service. These awards are a fitting tribute to their hard work and selflessness in protecting our community.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of our employees who celebrated tonight. Their roles have often required personal sacrifices and I deeply appreciate every person’s dedication and resilience throughout their careers.”

ABOVE: CC Cooper from Northland station.