Firefighters of Belfast

About the Book: 

The firefighters responded to every incident during the Troubles, wherever it was located, seeing the best and worst of humanity.

The years 1969 to 1994 were particularly difficult for Northern Ireland, and what would become known as ‘the Troubles’ would test the firefighters of Belfast to their limits. This book provides a record of that time from a firefighter’s perspective, combining thorough research and contemporary records with first hand accounts from people who were involved, bringing these significant events to life through the words of the people who lived through them.

Full of character and characters, this personal account places on record the dedicated service and invaluable contribution made by firefighters to the people of Belfast when the city needed them most. Firefighters of Belfast is ultimately an uplifting portrait of human courage and resilience during the most difficult of times.

Reviews:

Compelling reading. Sunday Post

Timely and authoritative, a powerful and moving book. ANDREW LYNCH, editor of Fire and chair of The Firefighters Charity

About the Author:

BRIAN ALLAWAY is a retired firefighter. In 1969, at the age of 16, Brian joined the Belfast Fire Brigade and served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. In 1994, he transferred to Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade in Edinburgh and was promoted to Firemaster in 2002, the last to hold that title. He has a BA from the Open University, an MSSc from the Queen’s University of Belfast and a PhD from The University of Edinburgh. His first book, Culture, Identity and Change in the Fire and Rescue Service, was published in 2011 by the Institute of Fire Engineers. A Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers and recipient of the Queen’s Fire Service Medal, Brian lives in Edinburgh.