HONORARY SECRETARY’S FOREWORD

Welcome readers to our winter 2022 issue of Firecall. It has been an exceptionally busy few months for all in Dublin Fire Brigade, but I’m pleased to see that so many of our Sports and Social Club members have continued to organise and enjoy activities that are so important to the organisation.

Huge thanks must go to the DFB GAA team, who hosted our colleagues from FDNY in October and showed the hospitality we can o er before playing a very competitive game of football. DFB has a long-standing relationship with FDNY and Battalion Fire Chief Eddie Boles, so I was delighted to read about his latest visit for this challenge game, and to hear that they kept our own team on their toes.

It is great to see that many other major sporting events in the last few months have been very successful, including the Staying in the Saddle for Prostate Cancer charity cycle, which raised much-needed funds and awareness, the All-Ireland Fire Service Golf Championship, which continues to grow bigger and better, and the Christmas football 5-a-side that brought great fun in challenging times.

The Frontline MO-BROs’ Movember campaign also continues to raise awareness and funds for men’s health and mental health, and they must be congratulated for their tremendous e orts once again this year, while C Watch North Strand, aka Daft Funk Brigade, can take a bow for their great viral dance video in aid of St Joseph’s School for the Visually Impaired.

I must thank Retired Members Association Secretary Tony McCann for his input in this issue. The DFBRMA plays an essential role in the Sports and Social Club, and I welcome Tony’s contribution to keep us abreast of the events and activities they undertake and plan for the future.

I must also welcome Class 2/2022 to the ranks of DFB, and wish them the best as they begin their careers with us. On the subject of new members, the feature on our latest recruitment campaign is a recommended read, while the latest S/O Development Course is also covered in this issue.

On the social event side of things, it was brilliant to be able to hold our Christmas Party again this year. This event is so important for DFB families, and thanks must go to everybody involved in the organisation and running of the day, who helped make it such a great success. Similarly, our first (and not last) Cinema Day proved very popular, so watch out for news on further trips to the movies.

In terms of recommendations, the look back at the wildland fire in Killiney in the summer is an interesting read for all DFB members, as is Tom Geraghty’s snapshots of history, and the retired member profile with Nobby Clarke.

Thanks to all who contributed, or who took the time to be interviewed. This is your magazine, so if you have an idea for a story, an event you want to highlight, or a subject of interest you feel should be explored, get in touch. Enjoy the read.