Retired Carlow firefighter honoured for his years of service
Alan Owens with many of his former and fellow fire service colleagues Photos: Paul Curran
A SPECIAL function was held recently at Carlow Fire and Rescue HQ to honour retired Carlow firefighter Alan Owens, who served and protected the local community for over 20 years.
Joined by his parents Jackie and Mai, his wife Michelle, son Alan and daughter Keeva, Alan was honoured by acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse and representatives from the Carlow fire stations in Bagenalstown, Tullow and Hacketstown who thanked him for his distinction and professionalism in the field and for his friendly personality.
Born and bred in Carlow, and growing up just a stone’s throw from the fire station, Alan joined Carlow Fire Service in January 2005, balancing the role with his job at Kearney Meats, and in 2007 he joined the Carlow team that competed and was often the gold standard in extrication competitions at home and abroad.
Alan Owens with acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse
Michelle Owens, Nikita Gahan and Keeva Owens
Alan and his wife, Michelle
“I worked with him in the service for years; he was a great man to have at your back,” said former colleague Paul Curran. “We went all over the world, competing in the extrication competitions. We won six All-Ireland titles and a couple of international ones.”
Alan, or ‘Owensie’ as he was known to friends and family, still works as a community warden in the town and was well known on the international extrication games scene for his firefighting ability and jovial nature.
“He is a huge loss to the community; his personality got us through the bad times, especially during Covid,” said Paul.
“He was loved by everyone – even the bad guys loved him!” he added.
