Bravery awards for firefighters

Bravery awards for firefighters

17 December 2014

THREE Newcastle firefighters who took part in one of the most intensive rescue operations ever witnessed in the district have been presented with bravery accolades.

Kenny Annett, Paddy McGarry and Alan Johnston took part in the dramatic rescue of 19 year-old Christopher Morgan who plummeted 30 feet onto rocks while camping outside Newcastle last July.

The Newry teenager was camping with five friends near the Bloody Bridge when he fell onto rocks after leaving his tent around 2.45am.

Around 40 members of the Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard, Ambulance Service, PSNI, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, the RNLI and the Irish Coastguard helicopter were mobilised in response to the single person accident and worked together throughout the lengthy operation to rescue the teenager who sustained multiple fractures along with head and back injuries.

The key role played by the three members of the Newcastle Fire and Rescue crew during the dramatic rescue was recognised during a special presentation ceremony at the Valentia Place station in the resort on Monday night.

The trio were presented with prestigious Citations from the Chief Fire Officer Chris Kerr in recognition of their outstanding work in rescuing the Newry teenager.

Two fire crews from Newcastle, assisted by colleagues from the Fire and Rescue’s Specialist Rescue Team responded to the incident, amidst concerns about gaining access to the casualty due to the very difficult conditions in the area.

Crew Commander, Kenny Annett, and local fire crews worked in partnership with the other agencies to rescue the teenager who was flown to hospital. During the multi-agency response, fire crews helped paramedics reach the teenager and transfer essential medical equipment to the accident site.

Firemen Paddy McGarry and Alan Johnston stayed with the injured youth, immersed in the cold water of a rock pool where he landed, before he was then taken to hospital.

During Monday night’s presentation ceremony, Mr. Kerr said it was his “privilege” to present the firefighters with the Chief Fire Officer’s Citation. 

“The men were faced with a serious situation in which a young man’s life was in danger. This accolade is to recognise their clear thinking and bravery, their decisiveness and the resourcefulness they displayed at the incident,” he continued.

“In extremely challenging circumstances, the team worked tirelessly to rescue the injured person and have received widespread praise for their response to this incident. This incident highlighted the excellent partnership workings between all of the emergency services in saving this man’s life.”

Mr. Kerr said it was important for the Fire and Rescue Service to recognise its personnel “who go that extra mile, who go above and beyond the call of duty to help protect others.”

He added: “This incident demonstrates the calibre of firefighters in the Newcastle area. They are a credit to the Fire and Rescue Service and to their local community. Everyone across Northern Ireland should be justifiably proud of their local firefighters who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

The Fire and Rescue Service’s District Commander for Downpatrick, Neil McGrath, said Kenny, Paddy and Alan’s professionalism and bravery are a “fantastic example of fire crews protecting the community.”

He added: “The excellent partnership working between all of the emergency services at the scene, along with the local knowledge and understanding of the area displayed by the Newcastle personnel lead to the saving of this young man’s life. Their actions allowed other members of the emergency services to quickly treat the casualty despite the difficult conditions they faced.

“I’m delighted the Chief Fire Officer has recognised these three men for their efforts by awarding Citations for their work. The people of Newcastle have an excellent Fire and Rescue Service that ensures the safety and well-being of everyone.”