News

Mid and East Antrim’s emergency services honoured

Wednesday 13 September 2023

A flag has been raised at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s civic buildings to celebrate the work of all emergency services as part of ‘999 Day’.

Mayor with guests at the 999 Day event

The annual Emergency Services Day, also knows as 999 Day, is a national campaign aimed at celebrating emergency service workers on September 9.

An emergency services flag was hoisted by Council and representatives from the PSNI, NI Fire & Rescue Service at an event at Smiley Buildings in Larne.

Among those taking part in the event with local Councillors and representatives of the emergency services, was the High Sheriff of County Antrim, Peter Mackie DL.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “It’s an honour for Council to help celebrate all the hard work of all our emergency services. They all play such an important role in keeping everyone safe and it can often go by without hearing those words of thanks, so on behalf of Council I would like to extend our gratitude to all the men and women who serve to keep us safe.

“All of us here at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are proud to be supporting such an invaluable cause. The Borough covers 400 square miles, with 62 miles of coastline, and many who live here in rural areas. This vast space means the work of the emergency services is always recognised here and we hope the public will also get behind this campaign.”

The Deputy Lieutenant Pauline Shields DL also spoke at the event and praised those who work in the ‘blue light’ services.

An old fire engine bell from the Larne fire engine of the 1930’s was rung to conclude a minute’s silence by Tommy Torbitt of the Larne NIFRA station and the prayer for the Emergency Services was delivered by Very Rev. Anthony Fitzsimmons, the Mayor’s Chaplain.

For more information visit the 999 Day website.