WATCH: New Limerick Civil Defence recruit reflects on training at annual award ceremony
As volunteers receive medals and certificates, Dylan reflects on the skills and purpose he found in Civil Defence.
Limerick Civil Defence volunteer Dylan Pierce was among those recognised at this year’s Annual Certificate Presentation and Long Service Medals Ceremony, held at the organisation’s base on the Dock Road.
The event celebrated the dedication, training and service of volunteers who support emergency responses and community events across Limerick. Speaking after receiving his certification, Dylan said he joined Civil Defence because he had “always wanted to help people” and was drawn to the organisation’s wide range of disciplines.
Over the past year he has trained in areas such as medical cover, search and rescue, flood response and radiation monitoring, and now works alongside the unit’s boat and sonar teams during operations.
Dylan described the experience as transformative, noting that while he didn’t know anyone when he joined, he quickly found “great friends and great laughs,” adding that when it’s time to work, “everyone pulls their weight.” His comments echoed the spirit of the night, where volunteers were honoured for commitments ranging from 10 to an exceptional 40 years of service.
Civil Defence Officer Cecilia O’Flaherty said the ceremony marked “the culmination of all the training volunteers have done in the past 12 months,” including the organisation’s largest post-Covid intake of 20 new members.
With certificates, long-service medals and commemorative awards presented, the night highlighted the passion and professionalism of a team that continues to serve Limerick during severe weather, emergency incidents and major community events throughout the year.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme