Co Carlow fireman's bravery recognised with national award

A CARLOW firefighter has won a national bravery award after he rescued a person from the River Barrow earlier this year.

Paul Gardiner, who is a driver/mechanic at Bagenalstown Fire Station, was presented with a Water Safety Ireland National Lifesaving Bravery Award by minister of state Jerry Buttimer at a ceremony in the Mansion House, Dublin.

At around 1am on 20 February, Bagenalstown Fire Station responded to reports of a person in difficulty in the River Barrow. At the time, water levels in the river were high following heavy rainfall and flooding, resulting in fast-flowing water and extremely hazardous conditions. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they established a rescue plan and used the specialist water resources and procedures at their disposal.

Paul, who is a rescue 3 accredited swiftwater technician, then entered the river and successfully reached the person using a tethered swim rescue technique, with the support of his colleagues.

In darkness and challenging floodwater conditions, Paul managed to bring the person safely to shore.

Acting chief fire officer at Carlow County Fire and Rescue Ben Woodhouse said Paul’s actions on the night “exemplified the very highest standards of courage and professionalism of our firefighters”.

“Faced with dangerous flood conditions and a person whose life was in immediate danger, he used his specialist training and experience to carry out a rescue that ultimately saved a life,” Mr Woodhouse said.

He added that the award highlighted the investment made by the service to strengthen its water rescue capabilities.

In 2022, the county council expanded water rescue capabilities across all five stations by procuring additional specialist equipment and providing enhanced training programmes, from which Paul benefited.

“The decision to provide enhanced swiftwater rescue training and specialist equipment across all stations has significantly increased our operational readiness and was instrumental in the successful outcome of this incident,” Mr Woodhouse said.

The council’s director of services Padraig O’Gorman congratulated Paul on the “prestigious” honour and recognised the professionalism and teamwork of his colleagues at Bagenalstown Fire Station that night.

“I wish to acknowledge all personnel involved in the response and extend my congratulations to driver/mechanic Paul Gardiner on receiving this national recognition for outstanding lifesaving bravery.”