Mullingar Fire Station marks retirement of two long-serving officers

The fire station officer in Mullingar marked the retirement of two long serving colleagues last week.

Chris Burley was sub station officer in Mullingar for 27 years, and Station Officer Paul McLoughlin said they had worked together for many years and been in charge of many incidents.

Also paying tribute to fire fighter Liam Bardon, Station Officer McLoughlin said he had 16 years of service “so between the two of them, they have almost 45 years of service done”.

“They have given exemplary service to the people of Westmeath in general but particularly to the people of Mullingar.

“It going to be a huge lost, given their massive experience.

“I worked very closely with Chris, and not only was he a very good colleague, he became a very good friend over the years, and he was fantastic support to me in my role as station officer in Mullingar.

“Liam will also be missed because of the fact that he has a fantastic knowledge of the town of Mullingar and its townlands. He is also a great mechanic, and an absolute gentleman of the highest degree.”

Station Officer McLoughlin wished Chris and Liam “all the very best in their retirement” and said that sentiment is on behalf of everyone in Westmeath.