Hero firemen up for medals after dramatic river rescue

By David Raleigh

Two fire men are to be recommended for special bravery medals after risking their lives to save a man who jumped into a raging river last night.

Colm McCarthy, 34, and Des Fitzgerald, 42, who are trained river rescue officers with Limerick City Fire Service, said if they hadn't have jumped into the Abbey River to save the man he would have been swept away to his death.

The emergency call was received at the fire station at 7.19pm - however because of their rapid response system in place, it took only three minutes for the fire fighters to reach the scene.

"We were there within three minutes and I'd say we had him out within six or seven minutes of getting the call. It was very, very close last night. It was the closest we've ever come (to loosing someone in the river). The Abbey River was ripping and we had to make a decision. It's up to us to decide whether or not we go in," Officer McCarthy explained.

Conditions in the river were treacherous as the two fire men swam against a strong tide to reach the man who jumped just as the fire service arrived on scene.

"Des jumped in first and I jumped in after him and basically we made contact with him straight away and held him. The tide was on the way out so it was pretty treacherous."

However, the presence of a weir on the river caused further danger for the firemen and their casualty.

Mr Fitzgerald added: "It was flying, a very fast flow, and the cold in there - we were thinking about that as well, to get (the man) out and get him warmed up so the ambulance could take over. It was pretty severe there last night."

Officer McCarthy said: "If we were ten seconds later last night (the man) was gone - we wouldn't have got him - it would have been unfortunately another statistic last night. If we didn't get there so quickly, it would have been a recovery more than a rescue."

Both men modestly laughed off descriptions that they are heroes.

"I know people will throw that (phrase) around, but at the end of the day, that is our job. We train for it," Officer McCarthy said.

Station Officer Pat Kiely, who witnessed last night's dramatic rescue, is to recommend to Limerick City Council to honour the men for their bravery.

"I've been in the (fire) service 20 years and this was one of the best rescues and the toughest rescues I've been involved in on the river."

"I firmly believe that these two lads did put their own lives at risk to save a life, and that there should be some kind of a medal or some kind of recognition for what they did. I will be recommending them for a bravery award."

Limerick City Council is to unveil a rapid response boat for the service later today to help the fire service further engage in river rescues.