Stranorlar & Ballybofey Fire Brigade

Fire Home

Beginnings

Flood

The Station

Main Street, Stranorlar • Tel: 074-31422 • In an emergency, dial 999 or 112

Stranorlar & Ballybofey Fire Brigade, 2002

At Finn Valley Online, our aim is to cover all aspects of community life - past and present - throughout the entire Finn Valley area.

When giving the Stranorlar & Ballybofey Fire Service their well-deserved place on the website, we decided to create a special section headed 'Groups and Services'.

However, on reflection, we realised that the most vital part of any service has to be the PEOPLE behind it...those dedicated men and women who give their time and energy for the protection of others - such as the Fire and Ambulance crews...and the Gardai.

Their role is mostly low-profile...keeping in the background of things, until the day comes when their skill, professionalism, training and bravery is called for.

Dedication

This section of the Finn Valley website is dedicated to all the men who served - and serve with - Stranorlar & Ballybofey Fire Brigade, from its inception to the present day. We remember also those who have passed away.

In the words of their colleagues: "To have known them was a privilege, to have worked alongside them was an honour".

Patsy Patton (Station Officer) and his team, wish to acknowledge the support and assistance of wives and families of past and present serving firemen. They also wish to thank the Chief Fire Officer, Donegal Fire Service, Mr Frank Kerrane and Assistant Chief Fire Officers, Ms Attracta McKay and Mr Giovanni Doherty, for their commitment to the improvement of the Fire Service.

And finally, a special word of thanks must go to Asst. Chief Fire Officer, Mr Bobby McMenamin, for his huge contribution over the years. Thank you Bobby!

Here in the Finn Valley, we are indeed fortunate to have a team of men such as those in Stranorlar Fire Station - helpful and friendly, but always vigilant. This is their story...reproduced here, largely from a booklet compiled in 1996 by members of Stranorlar/Ballybofey Retained Fire Brigade, to commemorate the 50th year of this operational unit of Donegal Fire Service. Many of the articles featured cover the early days of Voluntary service, by Firemen, to protect the community. Some great characters came forward to fill this honourable role, and at the time, with very limited resources.

The Fire Station, Main Street, Stranorlar

When the County Councils were made responsible for fire fighting and prevention, Stranorlar/Ballybofey, like other Voluntary Brigades, became part of the Retained fire-fighting force in the County.

This enabled public funds to be spent on the Brigade, and the Senior Officers appointed by the Co. Council to provide management, training and leadership - hence developing it over the years to the present standard of proficiency.

Public Awareness of the Dangers of Fire

Every year, the Fire Service holds an Open Week, where local groups come and visit the Fire Station.
They are shown around the station, fire engine and equipment. The dangers of fire - and how best to avoid fires - are explained.

Any schools or groups are always made welcome to the station, and on request, the firemen are pleased to visit any school in the area. They have a video on 'Fire Safety in the Home' that they show to the pupils, and talk briefly about Fire Safety.