Warm tributes paid to Kildare Fire Service stalwart Ben

Last week, Station Officer of Athy and Monasterevin, Ben Woodhouse said his final goodbyes to the stations he has managed for the last 11 years.

Ben was one of the senior training officers in the county with a wealth of experience and knowledge from his time spent as a Firefighter and Sub Officer in Nottingham, UK.

He was also one of the youngest ever SO's in the country having started out at the age of 26.

On his last evening in Athy Station, he was joined by his crews from Athy and Monasterevin, and also by other members of the local emergency services including National Ambulance Service (NAS) and An Garda Síochána.

Also present on the night were his family and we wish to thank them also for Ben's dedication to the Service as Station Officer for all the years.

However, this is not the last we will see of Ben as he takes up his new role as Assistant Chief Fire Officer within Kildare Fire Service in Central Station, Newbridge.

Kildare Fire Service said: "He was, and still is, a well respected member of the Fire Service in Kildare.

"Senior Management, his old crews and also the crews from across the county want to wish Ben the best of luck and success in his new role and look forward to continually working with him in the future."