June retires after 41 years in the NIFRS controlroom

A Lisburn woman has retired from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service after almost 41 years service.
June Fahy and her husband Desmond.June Fahy and her husband Desmond.
June Fahy and her husband Desmond.

Principal Fire Control Officer, June Fahy, bowed out from her long service last month and says she is looking forward to enjoying her retirement with her husband Desmond.

June, daughter of the late Raymond and Ethel Norwood, joined the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade in May 1973 as a Control Room Operator.

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She was soon promoted through the ranks and held her post as Principal Fire Control Officer - the highest position in the Control room - for 19 years where all emergency 999 calls for Northern Ireland.

It was on a work course that June met her husband, a retired Divisional Commander in the NIFB. She says it was “love at first sight” and they were married in 1995.

June, who won a silver medal playing squash, representing the Fire Service at the World Police and Fire Games last year and also played squash at Ulster level says her career in the Fire Service has been a “terrific journey”.

She commented: “Any role at this level has its ups and downs along the way.

“It has been very challenging but also very rewarding.”

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June said being invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace last year was a highlight of her career.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to achieve the highest rank in the NIFRS Control Room.

“I have left in good health and made many friends and I am looking forward to playing lots of squash.”

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