In the line of fire

‘IT’S ALMOST like if it finds you or seeks you out.”

That’s how Tuam fireman Paul Quinn described a role that is taken up by only a few, but one that is universally admired.
Paul has been a fireman since 2000, and was named as Tuam’s fire station officer recently. He is part of a crew of 12 fire fighters based out of the town’s station on High Street, a premises that is open to members of the public to visit this week as part of National Fire Safety Week.
As well as a jeep, people will be able to have a look at the two fire engines on site, both of which are kitted out with appliances such as a main pump and portable pump. They can also hold up to 1,600 litres of water.
The first fire engine bought for Tuam fire station cost £600 in the 1930s, and was a Merryweather sourced from England. Prices for fire trucks nowadays can soar to €300,000, and that’s before any equipment is added to them.
“We cater for a population of 30,000 roughly, including the town and the surrounding areas, from the Clare River in Dunmore to the outskirts of Claregalway, and over to Lough Corrib in Headford and the border with Mayo,” said Paul.
“We have training drills twice a month, which keeps the lads familiar with the equipment and helps us ensure that the equipment is working properly and up to date. Testing checks are then done by service engineers a couple of times a year.”

Read the full feature in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald