Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service honours 130 long-serving employees at Lisburn event

The NIFRS Long Service & Good Conduct Awards Ceremony took place at Lagan Valley Island in Lisburn and was held for employees based in the Eastern Area Command, NIFRS HQ, Regional Control Centre (RCC) and Learning & Development Centre (LDC).

The ceremony was attended by NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Chairperson of the NIFRS Board, Jay Colville. The awards were presented by David McCorkell, Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim.

The awards recognise employees in both operational and support roles with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. The ceremony in Lisburn saw 71 20-year service medals, 16 30-year clasps and 6 30- and 40-year clasps presented to operational employees, as well as 37 awards being presented to support employees.

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: “Every colleague receiving their Long Service and Good Conduct Award has made an invaluable contribution to our organisation and the service we provide to the public, so this is an important event for all of those recognised.

“We also recognise and greatly value the support that families provide for our staff, especially for our operational staff in preparation for and in the aftermath of the difficult, demanding and often dangerous work they do in protecting the public.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “It is a privilege to recognise the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service employees being honoured for their many years of tireless service and commitment.”