Derry firefighters among long-serving employees honoured by NIFRS

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has honoured and recognised 102 employees who have completed 20, 30 or 40 years of service.

The NIFRS Long Service & Good Conduct Awards Ceremony took place at Omagh Fire Station and the Silverbirch Hotel and was held for employees based in the Western Area Command, which covers County Tyrone, Fermanagh and most of County Derry.

IN PICTURES: Local firefighters honoured by NIFRS

The ceremony was attended by NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings and Chairperson of the NIFRS Board, Jay Colville. The awards were presented by Robert Scott, Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone.

Since the last Long Service & Good Conduct Awards Ceremony took place, a welcome development is that new 30 and 40 years’ service clasps have been introduced to present to employees in accordance with the Royal Warrant.

The awards recognise employees in both operational and support roles with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. The Western Area Command ceremony saw 40 20-year service medals, 52 30-year clasps and 7 30- and 40-year clasps presented, as well as 3 awards being presented to support employees.

NIFRS Western Area Commander David Doherty said: “Every colleague receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct Award has made a huge contribution to our organisation and the service we provide to the public, so this ceremony is an important event for all of those recognised.

“We also greatly value the support that families provide for our staff, especially for our operational staff in preparation for and in the aftermath of the difficult, demanding and often dangerous work they do in protecting the public.”

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings added: “As Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, it is my privilege to publicly recognise our employees across Western Area Command and to thank them for dedicated years of service in keeping people safe.”