Two Portaferry firemen retire after 100 years’ combined work

Two Portaferry firemen retire after 100 years’ combined work

5 February 2025

TWO Portaferry firemen have retired after almost a century of service between them.

The station’s Watch Commander Davey Denvir has stepped down after 55 years’ service along with his colleague and Crew Commander Denis Cooper. 

He has been a firefighter for 43 years.

Both men were guests at a special reception in their honour recently and were joined by family and colleagues.

Firefighters and members of the Fire and Rescue Service representing Ballywalter, Newtownards, Holywood, Bangor, Donaghadee and Comber were also in attendance and a representative from the organisation’s Southern Area Command HQ in Portadown. 

Portaferry councillor, Joe Boyle, who was at the presentation ceremony, thanked everyone who who assisted in any way organising of the event which he said was a very proud moment for the Denvir and Cooper families. 

He added: “On behalf of the Portaferry and wider communities throughout the Ards Peninsula, I would like to express a huge thank you to Davey and Denis for their commitment and dedication during their amazing 98 combined years of service. 

“It is now time for a well earned rest. I hope they enjoy a very happy retirement.”