11/10/2016 - Three 4x4 Emergency Service Jee

Pictured at the handing over of keys to 3 new 4x4 emergency service jeeps at Ballyshannon Fire Station on Friday evening are SSO Thomas Hourihan, SSO Conal Kane, SO Kieran Drummond, A/SACFO, Michael Scott, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, Director of Emergency Services, Donegal County Council, ACFO Kevin McGarvey, SO Paul Kelly, SO Martin Carr, SSO Thomas Kelly.

Fire Brigades in Ballyshannon, Bundoran and Glencolmcille took receipt of 3 new 4x4 emergency service jeeps on Friday evening last. 

SO Paul Kelly Bundoran Fire Brigade receiving keys to a new 4x4 emergency service jeep at Ballyshannon Fire Station on Friday evening from Garry Martin, Director of Emergency Services, Donegal County Council

Garry Martin, Director of Emergency Services with Donegal County Council, officially handed over the keys to the three new 4x4 emergency service jeeps to the Station Officers of each of the Brigades.

SO Martin Carr, Glencolmcille  Fire Brigade receiving keys to a new 4x4 emergency service jeep at Ballyshannon Fire Station on Friday evening from Garry Martin, Director of Emergency Services, Donegal County Council

These jeeps will be used as front-line emergency response vehicles to transport Fire Brigade personnel to incidents; for deploying Signage, Lighting and Guarding Equipment for use at road-based incidents and; for transport over rough terrain such as at gorse fires or during flooding or snow-related incidents.

SO Kieran Drummond Ballyshannon Fire Brigade receiving keys to a new 4x4 emergency service jeep at Ballyshannon Fire Station on Friday evening from Garry Martin, Director of Emergency Services, Donegal County Council

The three Brigades currently make use of older Class B Fire Engines to provide this support. The new jeeps will be a major step forward for the Brigades in terms of their speed of response; the crew and load carrying capability and; for enhanced visibility at incidents.

The vehicles are based on the Ford Ranger Double Cab Pick-up truck. They have been equipped with high-visibility reflective vehicle markings; emergency lighting & sirens and with specialised radio communications equipment.

Garry Martin noted that “the introduction of these jeeps into the service represents a capital investment of over €110,000 by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government into Donegal Fire Service and will provide a significant improvement in the capabilities of the three Fire Brigades of Ballyshannon; Bundoran and Glencolmcille”.