THE ORDINARY MEN AND WOMEN OF OMAGH REWARDED FOR COMPASSION AND CARE
The 'ordinary' men and women of Omagh rewarded for compassion and care
THE RUC chief constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has paid tribute to the 'ordinary men and women' of Omagh, for the courage, care and compassion they showed in the aftermath of the August 15 bomb.
More than 80 local people were honoured with certificates in recognition of the bravery and courage they displayed as they tended to the dying and injured in the minutes and hours after the 300lb car bomb exploded at Market Street 15 months ago.
At the low-key presentation ceremony on Tuesday night, which was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, Sir Ronnie said it was a great privilege to present the certificates.
The certificates were presented by the Duchess of Abercorn.
He said no-one would ever forget August 15, and he recalled how he had been in his office when news broke of the explosion.
He said that, as he made his way to Omagh to view the devastation for himself, he remembered how the numbers of casualties increased as he got closer to the town.
Reflecting on the professionalism of his colleagues in the police and the emergency services, he recalled how he heard stories of courage, compassion and care.
"It is a tremendous privilege to demonstrate our appreciation and admiration of the people of Omagh in the presentation of these certificates," he said.
He said the fact that people existed who were capable of such evil sometimes shook people's confidence, but those who had performed acts of compassion, care and courage, restored that faith, and he was humbled and privileged to mark other's admiration for what had been done.
The Omagh sub-divisional commander, Superintendent James Baxter, said it was a very special evening, but he was aware that it was also a very difficult one in that it would bring back memories.
He said it was not the intention of the evening to dwell on that, but, rather, to show appreciation to those who showed compassion and concern.
"As sub-divisional commander it has been and remains my desire for local people and the police to work together," he said, and added: "The terrible events of August brought an immediate response from the community.
"I have no doubt that that immediate support and assistance prevented further loss of life," he added.
He said the various agencies involved in the aftermath of the explosion had their own means of recognising their staff, but Tuesday's ceremony was to mark the contribution made by the general public, who acted in a gallant manner.
The Duke of Abercorn said that he was delighted and grateful that the RUC should have initiated the presentation ceremony for those who had provided such outstanding service to those in the town and community affected by the tragedy.
"It is so right and proper that the recipients should be recognised for their acts of humanity, gallantry and dignity towards their fellow citizens who were so cruelly and terribly injured on that terrible day last year," he said.
He said the many acts of compassion were broadcast around the world, and the suffering of the town was seen and shared by millions of people.
The Duke went on to thank the RUC for their remarkable leadership, discipline and calm at the time, which he said had been exemplary, which had drawn universal respect and appreciation of the community.
He also congratulated the certificate recipients, and said it was an evening when the community of Omagh was grateful and appreciative of what they had done.
Speaking after the ceremony, the chairman of Omagh District Council, Mr. Allan Rainey, said that the event was a fitting tribute to the charity and kindness shown to those who needed help immediately after the bomb.
Paying tribute to the recipients, he said that they had played a major role in helping to prevent further deaths.
"You are a shining example to others and are to be commended," he said.
THE RUC chief constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has paid tribute to the 'ordinary men and women' of Omagh, for the courage, care and compassion they showed in the aftermath of the August 15 bomb.
More than 80 local people were honoured with certificates in recognition of the bravery and courage they displayed as they tended to the dying and injured in the minutes and hours after the 300lb car bomb exploded at Market Street 15 months ago.
At the low-key presentation ceremony on Tuesday night, which was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, Sir Ronnie said it was a great privilege to present the certificates.
The certificates were presented by the Duchess of Abercorn.
He said no-one would ever forget August 15, and he recalled how he had been in his office when news broke of the explosion.
He said that, as he made his way to Omagh to view the devastation for himself, he remembered how the numbers of casualties increased as he got closer to the town.
Reflecting on the professionalism of his colleagues in the police and the emergency services, he recalled how he heard stories of courage, compassion and care.
"It is a tremendous privilege to demonstrate our appreciation and admiration of the people of Omagh in the presentation of these certificates," he said.
He said the fact that people existed who were capable of such evil sometimes shook people's confidence, but those who had performed acts of compassion, care and courage, restored that faith, and he was humbled and privileged to mark other's admiration for what had been done.
The Omagh sub-divisional commander, Superintendent James Baxter, said it was a very special evening, but he was aware that it was also a very difficult one in that it would bring back memories.
He said it was not the intention of the evening to dwell on that, but, rather, to show appreciation to those who showed compassion and concern.
"As sub-divisional commander it has been and remains my desire for local people and the police to work together," he said, and added: "The terrible events of August brought an immediate response from the community.
"I have no doubt that that immediate support and assistance prevented further loss of life," he added.
He said the various agencies involved in the aftermath of the explosion had their own means of recognising their staff, but Tuesday's ceremony was to mark the contribution made by the general public, who acted in a gallant manner.
The Duke of Abercorn said that he was delighted and grateful that the RUC should have initiated the presentation ceremony for those who had provided such outstanding service to those in the town and community affected by the tragedy.
"It is so right and proper that the recipients should be recognised for their acts of humanity, gallantry and dignity towards their fellow citizens who were so cruelly and terribly injured on that terrible day last year," he said.
He said the many acts of compassion were broadcast around the world, and the suffering of the town was seen and shared by millions of people.
The Duke went on to thank the RUC for their remarkable leadership, discipline and calm at the time, which he said had been exemplary, which had drawn universal respect and appreciation of the community.
He also congratulated the certificate recipients, and said it was an evening when the community of Omagh was grateful and appreciative of what they had done.
Speaking after the ceremony, the chairman of Omagh District Council, Mr. Allan Rainey, said that the event was a fitting tribute to the charity and kindness shown to those who needed help immediately after the bomb.
Paying tribute to the recipients, he said that they had played a major role in helping to prevent further deaths.
"You are a shining example to others and are to be commended," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1417
Published Date: 18-Nov-99
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