Gardaí from the Mullingar and Athlone stations with the Little Blue Heroes and their families.

Gardaí honour their Little Blue Heroes in Mullingar

Published: Wed 24 May 2023, 5:14 PM

The Little Blue Heroes Foundation holds a special place in the hearts of gardaí in Westmeath, and throughout An Garda Síochána, and on Saturday week last (May 13), seven of the Westmeath Honorary Gardaí met as a group for the first time for a day of action and to celebrate the graduation of five honorary members.

The Community Policing Units from Mullingar and Athlone came together and hosted the Honorary Gardaí and their families at Mullingar Garda Station.

The new officers went on duty on the day, and inspected the Armed Support Unit, Canine Unit, Garda Water Unit, Traffic Corps and the Regular Policing Units. Then, along with their families, they were welcomed in to Mullingar Garda Station.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, Superintendent David Nolan and MC for the ceremony Sergeant Brian Stones, presented the Honorary Gardaí with their medals and certificates in recognition of their service along, with tokens in recognition of their day’s duty.

The Westmeath Little Blue Heroes representative, Garda Joyce O’Grady, and one of the founders of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, Ann Marie Dooley Keane, were also present and thanked each Little Blue Hero and their families for their service.

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed treats and refreshments and took the opportunity to chat. It was a great opportunity for the Honorary Gardaí, their families and their garda buddies to build their new friendships and support networks.

Officers hope the new friendships and support networks will continue to develop as they prepare to welcome more of Little Blue Heroes into the garda family.