EDITOR’S LETTER
Editor: Adam Hyland Consulting Editor: Dan Fynes Contributors: Dan Fynes, Mario Lodola, Ray McMonagle, Ger Ryan Designers: James Moore Anna Wesolowska Cover Credit: DFB Photography: Dublin Fire Brigade, Dublin City Council, Ray McMonagle, Trevor Hunt, Adam Hyland, Conor McCabe, Mario Lodola, The Wellcome Collection, Brian Collins, Harriet Wheelock, Penguin, Knopf, Virago Sales Manager: David Byrne Production Executive: Ciara Murray Publisher: Chesterfox Ltd, T/A Firecall Magazine, P.O. Box 6766, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 432 2200; Fax: (01) 6727100 Managing Director: Gerry Tynan Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon Distribution by: Magazine Mailing Ashville Media Group Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 432 2200 Fax: (01) 676 6043 Publisher’s Statement: The information in Firecall is carefully researched and believed to be accurate and authoritative, but neither the Dublin Fire Brigade Sports & Social Club nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the publisher. Copyright ©2021 Firecall Magazine No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
Dear readers, Welcome to the latest issue of Firecall. The restrictions on movement continue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the introduction of vaccines, we can look forward with hope to a time when normality will return and the usual events and activities we cover in this magazine can resume. For now, we are still adapting to new ways of doing things and one example of this is the Station Profile, which this time was conducted entirely over Zoom and phone calls. Huge thanks must go to S/O Ken Whelan and the crew of C Watch Rathfarnham for being so accommodating and willing to talk about life at No.8. We have now seen our second St Patrick’s Day go by under lockdown, but DFB members worked hard to make sure events continued with virtual and online activities, while on a different note, the annual commemoration of deceased members went ahead in a small but dignified manner at the Training Centre, and both are covered in this issue. It was very interesting to talk to mechanic Liam Moore about his passion for importing vintage fire trucks from the USA, and you may well recognise some of them from the many fundraising events and DFB Open Days he has brought them along to. Huge thanks to him for taking the time to talk about his collection. Also of huge interest is the treasure trove of historical artefacts and stories kept at the Royal College of Physician’s Heritage Collection, and Keeper of Collections Harriet Wheelock took time to go through the details and share some fascinating tales that I am sure you will enjoy. Lord Mayor Hazel Chu also shares her unique experiences of being Lord Mayor during an unusual time, and shares her thoughts on the future of this role within the development of the city, and I thank her for making time to talk. Mobilisation Officer Mario Lodola also gives a great run-through of the role and what it involves, for which I am very grateful, while Buzzer Leigh shares many a story from his time in DFB in our Retired Member Profile. Many thanks to both of them for their contribution. Other notable features include DFB members’ participation in the Jerusalema Dance Challenge that made it all the way to The Late Late Show, and the marking of International Women’s Day. All DFB members are busy at the moment, and as lockdowns continue the chances for activities are limited, but I would encourage anybody who wants to talk about any upcoming endeavours, or who has an idea for a story, to get in touch with me. This is your magazine, and you are all welcome to contribute. I hope you enjoy the read,
25 OVERSEEING THE CITY
Lord Mayor Hazel Chu’s HandsOn Approach
40 HIDDEN HISTORIES
The Royal College of Physicians’ Heritage Centre
56 IN WITH THE OLD
Vintage US Fire Trucks Find A New Home In Dublin
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