Two Longford Garda Reserves honoured for their service

The long standing service of two Garda Reserves based in Longford was recognised this week with a presentation in Longford Garda Station. 

Inspector Declan McGlynn of Longford Garda Station presented Reserve Garda Mags Murphy with a Long Service Recognition Award following an incredible 18 years of service. 

Reserve Garda Bernie Halligan, who retired in 2018 but was in attendance in support of her colleague Mags, also deservedly received an award from Inspector McGlynn in recognition of her own outstanding service as a Garda Reserve.

Inspector Declan McGlynn with Garda Reserve Mags Murphy

Longford Garda Station has in recent months welcomed a new addition to their team, namely Garda Reserve Karl McCallister. 

Speaking to The Longford Leader, Inspector McGlynn said the Garda Reserves were an asset to the force.  

"Garda Reserves bring real world experience and fresh eyes to the job. A lot of the Reserves come from industries that very different to policing, so when they become a Garda Reserve, they bring with them their day-job-experience which is an advantage as it means we have the benefit of a different perspective and skillset."

“They're the fabric of what the Gardaí do in Longford. We don’t plan anything without checking if the Reserves are available. Whenever there was an event like a GAA match, we’d always immediately ask ‘is Mags available?’. They do great work helping our members."

Inspector McGlynn added that the station was delighted to welcome Garda Reserve Karl McCallister to the team. 

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