Sligo Civil Defence continues to ‘Meet the challenges of a changing world’, and 2005 was a particularly busy and eventful year for the organisation.

Another busy year for the volunteers of Sligo Civil Defence. This is evident in statistics that show a continued increase in the number of events that the volunteers attended.

This year Sligo volunteers assisted the Coast Guard in hosting a major exercise in Rosses Point which highlighted the dangers of the water and how to respond to such an emergency. This exercise involved all emergency services carrying out various water based rescues. It was a great success and was well attended by the public. Following this exercise the Gardai, in association with the Health Service Executive, the Fire service and Civil Defence hosted a mock major emergency. This is a very useful initiative which involved a high level of coordination and planning with other agencies.

Sligo Civil Defence volunteers continue to provide first aid/ambulance cover at major sporting events. This is a great challenge and the experience to be gained is immeasurable. Sligo Civil Defence attended over 60 events during 2005 and the commitment and dedication of the volunteers involved is very evident in their professional approach.

Classes re-commenced in October with the registration of 33 new volunteers. It is hoped that the skills they learn and the camaraderie of the volunteers will encourage them to stay especially in these times when there is such a demand on people’s free time.

Sligo was represented at the National Civil Defence exercise in Monaghan and finished a very creditable fourth place, a great achievement by the Sligo volunteers.

This year Civil Defence attended an induction training for the new Volunteer Bureau which is being launched in the county in early March 2006. This will assist in bringing more volunteers into the organisation.

In December, to celebrate Volunteers Day, Civil Defence presented First aid certificates and long service medals to a number of volunteers at a reception hosted by the Volunteer Bureau group. This event was attended by various volunteer agencies and was an opportunity to highlight the role of the new Volunteer Bureau.

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