PJ O’Brien says farewell to ambulance service after 27 years
COLLEAGUES, friends and family gathered to wish Paramedic PJ O’Brien well on his last day at work, exactly 27 years after he first started as a local paramedic.
It was a day of mixed emotions for PJ, who is a well known face throughout the local community thanks to his dedication and passion for his job.
PJ, who lives in Termonfeckin, finished his last shift on Sunday, November 26th - 27 years to the date of his very first day on the job.
Originally from Kildare, PJ worked as a Paramedic Supervisor in Drogheda Ambulance Station where he was involved with numerous community organisations, including local disability services and Transition Year students.
He was joined on Sunday by his wife, Carmel, sons Sean and Ciaran, daughter Eimear and grandson Noah (2).
Although his official retirement party won’t take place until February, a large group of supporters, including colleagues from the ambulance service, gardai, the fire service and rescue services including the Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service and his good friend Alan Moran and his family, and some retired members of the ambulance service.
Supt Andrew Watters also attended on the day.
‘It was a lovely send off for him,’ said his colleague Debbie McCole told the Drogheda Independent.
‘PJ is so well known in the community, he will be a big loss. His colleagues here at the ambulance service are going to miss him so much too. We’re all looking forward to the official event now.’
She said the day was an emotional one for PJ and all the staff.
PJ is planning to take a few well deserved weeks off to relax with his family and spend some quality time with them, especially his beloved grandson Noah.