Limerick County Civil Defence – Member Celebrates 50 Years Service

6 March 2012

One of Ireland’s longest serving Civil Defence Volunteer members was honoured in Limerick recently.

Michael J. Ryan was surrounded by friends and colleagues at a ceremony in Annacotty during which he was presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his 50 years of service with Limerick County Civil Defence.

Michael was thanked for his outstanding service by Mr Jos Kirby, Civil Defence Officer Limerick County, while the presentation was made by Mr Brian Kennedy, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Section, Limerick County Council.

The Corbally native said he was honoured to have been part of the Civil Defence organisation for five decades. He added that he was looking forward to the future development of the Casualty Service in Limerick County Civil Defence.

According to Jos Kirby: “Michael J joined Civil Defence on the 15 December 1961 to learn more about First Aid as a result of an encounter he had with a dying person. He hasn’t looked back since and has been a very active volunteer throughout the years. He worked his way up to become an Instructor in the Casualty Service and qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician in 2009. He is now a First Officer and Officer In Charge of the Casualty Service in Limerick County Civil Defence.”

“Over the years Michael J has given his time freely running First Aid Courses for hundreds of volunteers and performing duties at local, national and international events. Since his retirement from the City Council in 2006 it is fair to say that he is full time serving the community with Civil Defence”, Mr. Kirby added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kirby acknowledge Michael’s wife Sheyla for “the support she has given her husband and her understanding of the anti social hours involved with Civil Defence activities”.

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