MINISTER PRAISES FIREMEN FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN BOMB AFTERMATH
Minister praises firemen for their effort in bomb aftermath
A COMMEMORATIVE bell was unveiled and dedicated to the courage and work of local firefighters by the Environment Minister, Lord Dubs, when he visited Omagh Fire Station yesterday (Wednesday).
During his visit he praised members of the fire service for their work in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb on August 15, and for their dedication to duty, despite knowing that members of their own families were in town that day and were injured.
He also announced that an additional �21 million would be injected into the fire service in Northern Ireland over the next three years.
Following an inspection of the Brigade's F Division, the Minister had an opportunity to speak to a number of officers and firefighters, who were involved in the emergency operation after the 300lb car bomb exploded.
He was met outside the station by the chairman of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority, Mr. Errol Gaynor, and the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. John McClelland, and was accompanied on the inspection of the ranks by the Divisional Officer, Mr. Ken McClune.
Inside the station the welcome party included principal brigade officers and members of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority.
In past years the Minister for the Environment, who has responsibility for the fire service in Northern Ireland, has paid an annual visit to a fire station at Christmas or New Year.
His visit to Omagh yesterday was the latest in his programme, and the station was chosen on account of the Brigade's involvement in the aftermath of the August 15 tragedy.
He said the explosion demonstrated what many people often saw firelighters putting their own lives at risk, and displaying courage, devotion to duty and selflessness.
The Minister also paid tribute to those behind the scenes and firelighters from neighbouring stations to Omagh, who helped during the immediate aftermath of the bombing.
He praised those firelighters who worked on despite their concerns for members of their own families who were in the town centre at the time of the bombing. He extended his sympathy to members of the Brigade whose family members were injured, and to all the people of Omagh affected by the atrocity.
"I am grateful that my annual visit to the fire service should take place in Omagh this year, as I felt it was most important to express my gratitude for the way in which local firemen, and indeed all the emergency services, responded to the tragedy," the Minister said.
"It is also important to pay tribute to the entire Brigade for its response on every occasion when it answers the call for help."
Lord Dubs also paid tribute to families who suffered domestic-disturbance in supporting firelighters in their work, and thanked employers who released retained firelighters from their civilian duties to answer emergency calls. Commenting on the extra �21 million for the fire service, he said: "This additional funding, resulting from the comprehensive spending review, reflects the need to direct resources towards the maintenance and improvement of standards of fire cover in Northern Ireland."
"It will mean �43.8 million for the fire service in the financial year 1999/2000, �51.5 million the following year and �52.5 million for 2001/2002," he said
Welcoming the Minister to the station, Mr. Gaynor said that although firefighters were trained to deal with the unexpected, no amount of training could have equipped those who answered the emergency call on August 15.
"We have always been aware of the bravery of firefighters, but for them to continue carrying out their duties helping the injured, before attempting to trace their own kin, demanded fortitude possessed by only a very few," he said.
A COMMEMORATIVE bell was unveiled and dedicated to the courage and work of local firefighters by the Environment Minister, Lord Dubs, when he visited Omagh Fire Station yesterday (Wednesday).
During his visit he praised members of the fire service for their work in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb on August 15, and for their dedication to duty, despite knowing that members of their own families were in town that day and were injured.
He also announced that an additional �21 million would be injected into the fire service in Northern Ireland over the next three years.
Following an inspection of the Brigade's F Division, the Minister had an opportunity to speak to a number of officers and firefighters, who were involved in the emergency operation after the 300lb car bomb exploded.
He was met outside the station by the chairman of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority, Mr. Errol Gaynor, and the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. John McClelland, and was accompanied on the inspection of the ranks by the Divisional Officer, Mr. Ken McClune.
Inside the station the welcome party included principal brigade officers and members of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority.
In past years the Minister for the Environment, who has responsibility for the fire service in Northern Ireland, has paid an annual visit to a fire station at Christmas or New Year.
His visit to Omagh yesterday was the latest in his programme, and the station was chosen on account of the Brigade's involvement in the aftermath of the August 15 tragedy.
He said the explosion demonstrated what many people often saw firelighters putting their own lives at risk, and displaying courage, devotion to duty and selflessness.
The Minister also paid tribute to those behind the scenes and firelighters from neighbouring stations to Omagh, who helped during the immediate aftermath of the bombing.
He praised those firelighters who worked on despite their concerns for members of their own families who were in the town centre at the time of the bombing. He extended his sympathy to members of the Brigade whose family members were injured, and to all the people of Omagh affected by the atrocity.
"I am grateful that my annual visit to the fire service should take place in Omagh this year, as I felt it was most important to express my gratitude for the way in which local firemen, and indeed all the emergency services, responded to the tragedy," the Minister said.
"It is also important to pay tribute to the entire Brigade for its response on every occasion when it answers the call for help."
Lord Dubs also paid tribute to families who suffered domestic-disturbance in supporting firelighters in their work, and thanked employers who released retained firelighters from their civilian duties to answer emergency calls. Commenting on the extra �21 million for the fire service, he said: "This additional funding, resulting from the comprehensive spending review, reflects the need to direct resources towards the maintenance and improvement of standards of fire cover in Northern Ireland."
"It will mean �43.8 million for the fire service in the financial year 1999/2000, �51.5 million the following year and �52.5 million for 2001/2002," he said
Welcoming the Minister to the station, Mr. Gaynor said that although firefighters were trained to deal with the unexpected, no amount of training could have equipped those who answered the emergency call on August 15.
"We have always been aware of the bravery of firefighters, but for them to continue carrying out their duties helping the injured, before attempting to trace their own kin, demanded fortitude possessed by only a very few," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0819
Published Date: 07-Jan-99
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