Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has celebrated 92 employees for reaching major career milestones of 20, 30 and 40 years' service.

The event took place at the NIFRS Learning & Development College on Thursday 24 September 2026, attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone, Reverend Canon Matthew Hagan, NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, NIFRS Board Member Paul Kennedy and Health Minister Robbie Butler.

Awards recognised both operational and support staff. In total, 49 operational employees received 20-year long service medals and 7 support employees received 20-year long service pins. A further 26 operational employees were presented with 30-year clasps and glasses, alongside 2 support employees receiving 30-year glasses. For 40 years' service, 6 operational employees received clasps and medallions, with 2 support employees awarded 40-year medallions.

Staff were also honoured with commendations acknowledging exemplary actions, professionalism and distinguished conduct.

Health Minister Robbie Butler paid tribute to those receiving recognition for their years of service. Minister Butler said: "I want to extend my congratulations to all the long service award recipients from across the service and pay tribute to their remarkable dedication. These colleagues have shown resilience in their commitment to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and today we celebrate milestones of 20, 30 and 40 years of protecting our communities and saving lives. Every individual here today represents the commitment, professionalism and teamwork which are at the heart of the fire service, and they should be proud of all they have achieved in their exceptional careers."

NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: "I am deeply honoured to recognise the 92 employees who are being celebrated for their many years of service, and I am equally humbled to be among those receiving this recognition. These awards are a fitting tribute to the skill, courage and commitment that our employees demonstrate on a daily basis.

"Their work plays a vital role in supporting our community. It involves being there when people need us most, often in challenging and unpredictable circumstances, while consistently going above and beyond to help keep the public safe, support people on their worst days, and build trust with the people of Northern Ireland.

"It is a privilege to work alongside such a devoted group of people, and I am proud of the difference they make every single day."

Chairperson of NIFRS Board Jay Colville said: "On behalf of the NIFRS Board, it is my great pleasure to honour the many years of hard work, determination and effort exemplified by each of the employees who received their awards last night.

"Long service is about much more than the number of years someone has spent in their role. It represents countless hours of training, responding to emergencies, supporting colleagues and being there for our community. These employees are truly commendable.

"I sincerely thank each and every one of them for their outstanding service, the difference they make in our community and for the many years they have dedicated to NIFRS. Congratulations to all 92 people on this well-deserved recognition."