Assistant Commissioner salutes retiring garda

GLOWING tributes have been paid to a senior garda who retires from the force today following 36 years service.

Chief Superintendent Richard Duggan, a native of Fermoy, is retiring from his job as head of the Cork West Garda Division.

Assistant Commissioner Ray McAndrew led the tributes describing Richard Duggan as a much valued member of the force “who had wide-ranging experience, sound values and principles and great commitment and competence”.

The assistant commissioner said that Chief Supt Duggan was as an excellent role model and mentor to younger members of the force. “He made a strong impression on many people both inside and outside the job, through his caring and helpful attitude and sensitivity to the needs of others, particularly people experiencing difficulties,” Mr McAndrew said.

Chief Supt Duggan joined the force in 1972 and his first posting was to Dundalk. He later served in Carrickmacross, Monaghan and after being promoted to sergeant spent time in Hackball’s Cross, before finally returning to his native Cork in May 1986, when he arrived at Union Quay.

By 1991 he was sergeant-in-charge in Douglas and two years later was promoted to inspector rank and transferred to Shankill, Dublin. He returned to Gurranabraher as inspector in August 1997 and two years later was promoted to superintendent and sent to Bandon.

In June 2002 Richard Duggan was superintendent-in-charge in Anglesea Street.

He was appointed chief superintendent in September 2004 and took up a posting in Blanchardstown, Dublin before returning to Bandon that November to head up the Cork West division.