Northern Ireland fire service honoured

The Northern Ireland Fire Service today expressed deep honour at receiving the first ever award given by the Province’s devolved Assembly.

An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland by Assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by firefighters over many years.

Executive Staff Officer Graham Crossett said the award honoured not only the current service, but its predecessors in the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Belfast Fire Brigade - including those who lost their lives.

‘‘It signifies a recognition of the unique position that the Fire Brigade has held in Northern Ireland,’’ he said.

‘‘We have been able at all stages to respond to fires without asking any questions and serve the entire community without fear or favour.’’

The presentation will be made tomorrow during a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The move to recognise and honour firefighters sacrifice was unanimously backed during a vote in the Assembly last November.

A spokesman for the Speaker’s office explained: ‘‘The Assembly Scroll of Honour is a prestigious civic award which will be made on rare occasions and only after the successful presentation of a motion to the Assembly.

This is the first award of its kind.