Mayor hosts reception to honour long-serving Derry Ambulance Service staff

PICTURED ABOVE: Lord Lieutenant Ian Crowe presents long service medal to Ciaran Gallagher, NI Ambulance Service at a reception held in the Guildhall. Included are Mayor Lilian Seenoi Barr and on left Michael Bloomfield, chief executive NIAS. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, recently hosted a special reception in honour of local man Ciaran Gallagher who is a long-serving member of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).

Ciaran who works as an Emergency Medical Technician, was hosted by Mayor Barr at the Guildhall to receive his Queen’s (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal from Ian Crowe, Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry.

The medal is presented to staff who have served 20 years on frontline duties within the Ambulance Service.

Colleagues who have worked alongside Ciaran requested that this special presentation take place due to Ciaran’s current ill health. He was joined at the event by his long-term colleague Ian Duncan, and both men were presented with the King’s Coronation Medal and commemorative coin. 

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Welcoming Ciaran and his family to the Guildhall, Mayor Barr said: “I was honoured to host this reception for Ciaran in recognition of his dedication for more than two decades to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Thank you Ciaran for all you have done for the people of the Northwest over your tenure.”

A spokesperson for the NIAS explained: “Ciaran joined NIAS in 2001 as a member of the Patient Care Service, before undertaking, and successfully completing, the Emergency Medical Technician course in 2003. In 2004, Ciaran crewed up with Ian Duncan, who by that stage had already completed 20 years’ service.

“They remained crewed together until Ciaran’s own illness intervened. Together, and it is not an exaggeration to say, they have touched the lives of thousands of people across the region. They have been known for their willingness to go the extra mile and always brought empathy and respect to those patients whose care was entrusted to them.”

They were joined at the presentation by colleagues and family. Michael Bloomfield, NIAS Chief Executive, said he was honoured to have attended the ceremony and thanked Ciaran and Ian for their commitment to the people of Derry and beyond.

Area Manager, Jason Rosborough, also praised both men saying they always set an example to others in terms of dedication and care for patients.

Ciaran and Ian were each presented with the King’s Coronation Medal and commemorative coin. In recognition of 40 years’ service to the NIAS, Ian was also presented with a framed certificate and piece of crystal.

Ciaran, humbled by the experience, said: “I want to pass on my thanks to all those who played a part in organising this event, particularly my frontline colleagues. Working for the ambulance service and with patients, has been an absolute honour and I know that whilst I may no longer be able to do it, the staff in Altnagelvin Station will continue to do so, in the manner in which they have always done.  I want to say a special thanks to my mentor, colleague and friend, Ian. Thank you, it really has been an honour.”