Emergency workers receive tribute in cross community service

Emergency workers have been praised for their hard work during the pandemic and beyond through a special cross community service.

Leaders of the four main churches in Derry came together on Monday evening for St Columb’s Cathedral’s traditional Emergency Services Carol Service and a Service of Thanksgiving and Praise for the Emergency Services.

Those who have played a vital role our society and welfare were invited to this incredibly special service to be thanked for their work

The service was led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart.

Uniformed members of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Foyle Search and Rescue, St John Ambulance and British Red Cross were in attendance.

Dean Stewart said: "All of us have, in one way or another, seen at first hand the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

"It has impacted on the way that we have been able or unable to live our lives. Members of the Emergency Services, who have been for so long on the front line, have earned our admiration and respect.

"We can all remember those evenings that we clapped to express our thanks. And, tonight, we again express our thanks to you and your colleagues for having kept us safe and for continuing to keep us safe in these uncertain times."

During the service, readings were delivered by the Minister of Carlisle Road Methodist Church, Rev John Montgomery; the Moderator of Derry and Donegal Presbytery and Dr Donal McKeown; the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe.

All in attendance were honoured to use this opportunity to thank Emergency workers for the impact they have had on all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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