Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service celebrates long-serving employees

The Service’s Long Service and Good Conduct Awards ceremony took place on November 27 at its new Learning & Development College, which officially opened earlier this year.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings, and Chairperson of NIFRS Board, Jay Colville, attended the event alongside Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone, Robert Scott, who presented the awards.

The awards recognise employees in both operational and support roles within NIFRS. A total of 63 operational employees received 20-year long service medals, three support employees received 20-year long service pins, 38 operational employees received 30-year clasps and glasses, four support employees received 30-year glasses and five operational employees received 40-year clasps.

Employees were also recognised with commendations for their actions, professionalism and distinguished conduct.

Aidan Jennings said: “As Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, it is my privilege to publicly recognise and celebrate the long service of our employees across NIFRS and thank them for their dedication and commitment. Each colleague receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct Award has made a crucial contribution to our organisation and the essential service we provide to the community.

“The ceremony is an important occasion to acknowledge the invaluable commitment, dedication and professionalism of our long-serving colleagues, highlighting the values and behaviours that define us as an organisation. They are a constant source of inspiration for those around them, setting a gold standard of excellence.”

Jay Colville added: “On behalf of NIFRS Board, I am delighted to honour the commitment and dedication of all 113 employees who are being recognised for their years of service. Their hard work is truly remarkable, and these awards are a fitting tribute to their courage and commitment to serving our community.

“I am personally expressing my sincere gratitude to each of our employees being celebrated. Their roles require them to go above and beyond for the people of Northern Ireland, often at the cost of personal sacrifice, and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I thoroughly appreciate every single person’s professionalism, strength and resilience throughout their careers.”