Civic honour bestowed on proud Waterford man hailed as 'pillar of the community'

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, has formally honoured retired paramedic and long-serving member of the Irish Red Cross Richie Purcell.

The mayoral reception at City Hall was hosted following a proposal from Cllr Adam Gary Wyse to honour Riche who has served the local community for more than 40 years. The Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Joe Kelly, also attended.

Several local politicians and council officials attended the event as did family and friends and members of the Irish Red Cross.

During the evening, the organisation's area chairperson Bernie O'Sullivan presented Richie - the longest-serving members of the Irish Red Cross in Waterford - with a commemorative certificate and a long-service Medal.

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Cllr Wyse says Richie Purcell was a more than deserving recipient of the civic honour.

"He has been a pillar of our community through his 40 plus years of service with the Irish Red Cross. From first aid at countless events to fundraising for natural disasters, his selfless dedication is inspiring. People like Richie are what make Waterford and Ireland so great. We are truly grateful for his tireless work in making a difference," he said.