Civil Defence

Civil Defence was present at seventy events during 2008, 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 to name but a few and without the assistance of organisations like Civil Defence providing the much needed skills like first aid, stewarding etc., many of these events would not be able to go ahead.

Apart from assisting at events as mentioned above, Civil Defence is always preparing its volunteers, through ongoing training, to assist with whatever crisis comes its way.

MAJOR EMERGENCIES

Sligo Civil Defence is not only a service for covering community events but is constantly preparing itself 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 our intense training programme. Sligo Civil Defence has a core group of around 80 volunteers willing and committed to volunteer at relatively short notice and a further 20 or so available for the more minor roles in the event of a major emergency. The volunteers enjoy the training provided and 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.

Sligo Civil Defence take part in a training exercise with the Fire Service

COMMUNITY

During Civil Defence Annual County Exercise, held on the grounds of Saehan Media this year, the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Jude Devins, commended the Civil Defence Teams for their valuable work in the community, their time and commitment to training and the fact that such a large number (70) had given up their free time to spend a day putting their skills into practice thus ensuring their preparedness to deal with situations placed before them. The Civil Defence organisation is widely respected, and has attracted many plaudits for the efficient and professional way they carry out their duties.

It is through attending at such events that recruitment to the organisation begins. Being in the public eye highlights what the organisation is about and, through conversation with, and observation of those attending such events,s the public see what and how the organisation is all about and from there, the candle of curiosity is lit which, on a lot of occasions, leads to recruitment of new volunteers or re-instatement of lapsed volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS

At a presentation to long serving members and others receiving certificates for various skill levels, Mr. Ned Gleeson (Civil Defence Board member) 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 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’.

While the economic landscape is been transformed, it is hoped the tradition and culture of volunteerism will not only be maintained, but indeed increase and Civil Defence is ready to welcome the influx of people who, through no fault of their own, will have time on their hands and might consider joining the organisation to broaden / learn new skills through our in depth training programs.

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 provided over the winter months from October through to April throughout the County, and volunteers will be instructed in First Aid, Rescue, Communications, Welfare and a range of other useful skills.

Civil Defence volunteer demonstrates First Aid as part of the training programme