Hacketstown bids fond farewell to firefighter Frankie after 28 years
Frankie, third right, back row with his colleagues from Hacketstown Fire Brigade. Back row: Brendan Cullen, Geraldine Strahan, Gerard Doyle sub officer, Eddie Coleman station officer, Francis Whelan, Tony Tallon and Dan Moorehead Front: Thomas Doyle, John Roche, Dennis Joyce, William Kenny and Colm Murphy
THE PEOPLE of Hacketstown turned out in force last week to say thank you to one of their own when firefighter and driver/mechanic Francis (Frankie) Whelan was honoured on his retirement after 28 years of service.
Frankie served the community as a member of Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service, based at Hacketstown Fire Station and its award-winning regional training centre.
The packed function drew representatives from fire services in Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford, all there to show their support for a man who has given almost three decades to keeping his neighbours safe.
Acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse opened proceedings with an overview of Frankie’s career in the service, while Frankie’s station officer, Eddie Coleman, kept things moving as MC throughout.
Current and former colleagues from neighbouring brigades took turns sharing kind words and stories from down the years before presenting Frankie with gifts on behalf of their crews.
It was something of a reunion for Hacketstown Fire Brigade, too, with former station officers Joseph Barnes, Joe Foley and Stephen Murphy delighted to attend alongside current station officer Eddie Coleman.
One of the more poignant moments of the night came when Wexford’s chief fire officer, Alan O’Neill, said a few words and shared some stories, recalling his late father Fintan, a former assistant chief fire officer who trained Frankie years earlier.
Frankie’s family was at the heart of the occasion. His wife, Catherine, was presented with a floral arrangement by Ben Woodhouse, while their sons Francis and James were thrilled to see their dad receive such well-deserved recognition. Frankie’s mother Mary and his siblings also attended to share in a proud night for the Whelan family.
