Civil Defence

Civil defence plays vital role in our community

The Civil Defence Board’s ‘Statement of Strategy 2007-2010’ sets out the key objectives and operational environment for the organisation. Director General Bill Smith envisages ‘an exciting and challenging agenda’ for the board in the years ahead, and this is reflected at local level in the wide range of activities undertaken by County Sligo Civil Defence.

In 2007 Civil Defence was present at almost seventy events with May to September being the busiest time. Civil Defence attended Gymkhanas, Triathlons, Golf tournaments, major sporting fixtures, Charity swims, Musical festivals, Horse Shows, and Car Rallies.

MAJOR EMERGENCIES

Sligo Civil Defence are not only a service for covering community events but are constantly preparing themselves to be ready to respond to an emergency call if and when received. The organisation has been given a specific role within the Major Emergency framework document and this responsibility is reflected in their intense training programme.

Sligo Civil Defence have a core group of around 70 volunteers willing and committed to volunteer at relatively short notice and a further 20 or so available if there was a major emergency. The volunteers enjoy the training provided and then are anxious to put their training into practice. Sligo Civil Defence strives to ensure that training is informative and varied to continue to motivate volunteers to not only remain with the organisation but to feel confident and useful when their assistance is called upon.

COMMUNITY

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Seamus Kilgannon commended the Civil Defence Teams for their valuable work in the community. ‘The Civil Defence organisation is widely respected, and has attracted many plaudits for the efficient and professional way they carry out their duties.’

Sligo Civil Defence are not only a service for covering community events but are constantly preparing themselves to be ready to respond to emergency situations. Civil Defence have been given a specific role within the Major Emergency framework document and are attending training in order to be in a position of readiness if and when such a situation would arise.

VOLUNTEERS

At a presentation to long serving members of Sligo Civil Defence, the Cathaoirleach emphasised the valued role of the volunteer in our community: ‘Volunteerism has been the backdrop to the social and economic history of Ireland. Particularly in times of economic uncertainty, where ambition was tempered by scarcity of finance, our society relied heavily on the goodwill of the volunteer. While the economic landscape has been transformed, the tradition and culture of volunteerism has been maintained, and indeed has been the pivotal ingredient in many.

While it is not in these volunteers nature to proclaim their role or achievements, it is important to convey the universal regard in which they are held by every sector of our community.’

TRAINING PROGRAMME

Anyone considering carrying out valuable service to their local community should explore the possibility of becoming a Civil Defence volunteer. A multi-skilled training programme is currently underway in venues throughout the county, and volunteers will be instructed in First Aid, Rescue, Communications, welfare and a range of other useful skills.