Like father, like son. Pictured at Mitchelstown Fire Station are (l-r): Bobby Dalton, Bob Dalton, Michael Curtin Snr, Michael Curtin, Denis Power and Thomas Power.

When I grow up, I want to be a firefighter! This is the dream of many young children as they sit and play with fire trucks and sirens that blast through their make believe world and for three firefighters in Mitchelstown Fire Brigade, this meant following in their father’s footsteps.

The sons of Michael Curtin (now retired), Bob Dalton and Denis Power have all joined Mitchelstown Fire Brigade over the years and it is clear that the desire to help others and make a real difference in the world is something that runs in the family of each one of them.

Michael Curtin gave 44 years service to Mitchelstown Fire Brigade and is now 84 years old. Nowadays, it would not be possible to give such service, as the age for retirement has lowered to 55, with an extension if a medical is passed.

Speaking about his time as a firefighter, Michael had some chilling recollections of particularly harrowing scenes which he attended, where they came face to face with terrible tragedy and loss.

“There are things that I will never forget,” he said.

Full report on this week’s Print & Digital Edition