Fire crews celebrate double anniversary

In addition to it being the 20th anniversary of Crescent Link, with was also the 50th anniversary of the opening of Northland Fire Station in the Cityside.

In addition to a cake-cutting ceremony, there were tours of the premises and visitors were treated to the sight of the crews responding to two callouts during the informal celebrations.

The most senior NIFRS guest, Chief Fire Officer, Peter Craig, described the double anniversaries as “a significant milestone for the local community and especially for the past and current members of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service based at Northland and Crescent Link Fire Stations.”

Revealing that he had spent part of his career as divisional fire safety officer between 1991 and 1994 at Crescent Link, he continued: “Both these Stations and their personnel have seen many changes throughout the years, both in terms of the role of a Firefighter and the type and variety of incidents we now attend.

“Indeed Firefighters from this area certainly experienced some of the darkest days of the Troubles. The personnel from both Northland and Crescent Link Fire Stations, who served through that time, were exposed to some of the worst scenes and atrocities of these years. Nonetheless they always carried out their duties with such dedication and professionalism while doing what can often be a very difficult and dangerous job.

“At this time, the families of our Firefighters also deserve recognition and praise for all their support throughout the years. It can’t be easy waiting at home while loved ones are on duty and responding to emergency calls and I would like to thank them and the local community for their ongoing support for our Firefighters and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

“I would also like to thank and congratulate all the Firefighters past and present from these Fire Stations who over the years have worked tirelessly in this area to protect their community from the dangers of fire, road traffic collisions and other emergency incidents.

“There is a proud history of the fire and rescue service steep deep within this local community and that tradition, I have no doubt, will continue for many years to come.”