Long serving members of the dedicated Airport Fire & Rescue team at City of Derry Airport were brought together for a special evening on Wednesday 3^rd April to mark their remarkable years of service ranging from 20 – 30 years.

The team members were awarded with their service medals issued by the department for transport, some hospitality from the White Horse, and a nostalgic look back over the years with presentations from Airport Management and retired members of staff.

Staff awarded include Senior Airport Fire Officer, Gerard McCloskey (30 years), Deputy Senior Airport Fire Officer, David Cunningham (30 years), Deputy Senior Airport Fire Officer, Wesley Dickson (30 years), Deputy Senior Airport Fire Officer, Jannine Dunlop (20 years), Crew Commander, Max Devlin (20 years), Leading Firefighter, Mervyn Quigg (30 years), Leading Firefighter, Sean Feeney (20 years), Leading Firefighter, Colin Spratt (20 years), Firefighter, Michael McAllister (20 years), and Firefighter, Des McKillop (20 years).

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport stated: “We are extremely proud of our Airport Fire & Rescue team and the dedication, hard work and support demonstrated over the years. Our team is truly unique with a wide variety of skills and responsibilities involved in their working day; involved in ground handling, airfield safety and working closely with the wider Airport team on daily operations, in addition to Fire and Rescue management and training. We are extremely lucky to have such highly skilled and dedicated individuals as part of our team. This team are always amongst the first to step up and get involved in our local community and charity events, as well as facilitating visits for many generations of school children across the years.”

Mr Frazer continued: “In addition to awarding our long-standing team members, this event was so important in commemorating the late Michael Quigley, who sadly passed away in December 2022. Michael held the rank of Crew Commander, an exemplary member of the Airport team, and an absolute gentleman. Michael would have been receiving his 30 years of service medal having joined the service in 1992, so it was very special to have Michael’s family in attendance to honour his years of dedication and celebrate his memory.”

For more information on the Airport Fire and Rescue department at City of Derry Airport and apprentice job opportunities, visit www.cityofderryairport.com.