There has been “deep hurt” amongst retained firefighters as they remain the only frontline organisation not to receive 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medals.
Chairperson of Donegal County Council’s Environment and Emergency Services Committee, Cllr Jack Murray, has expressed his frustration at the continued denial of 1916 commemorative medals to firefighters across the state.
Cllr Murray said he had discussed this with local firefighters and that they had expressed their deep hurt at the decision.
“In 2016, marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising, the state presented medals to the serving members of front line emergency services; An Gara Siochana, the Defence Forces, the Civil Defence, the National Ambulance Service and auxiliary fire service,” Cllr Murray explained.
“Every person who serves in front-line emergency services received a medal – apart from the vast majority of retained and full-time firefighters. That is an insult to the people who risk their lives on duty while protecting others.
“I understand that the National Retained Firefighters Association has been highlighting this issue for some time and that they have written to Minister Murphy.
“It is incredible that this glaring omission has still not been addressed.
“I am glad that so many of our frontline emergency services personnel were honoured but I am extremely disappointed at the insult and hurt that this situation has heaped on firefighters.
“As chairman of the council’s environment and emergency services committee, I have committed to moving a motion on this issue at the next full sitting of the council and I will highlight it at every opportunity possible.”
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