The Sligo Champion

Gardaí ensuring the vulnerable are kept safe

- By CIARA GALVIN

‘AN Garda Síochána are here to help’.

That was the message from Chief Superinten­dent for Sligo/Leitrim Aidan Glackin in a video reassuring the public resources are in place to help communitie­s.

In a video posted on the Sligo Leitrim Garda Facebook page the Chief Superinten­dent explained he has restructur­ed garda resources in order to respond to the changing role the gardaí are now playing during the ongoing pandemic in order for personnel and equipment to be available to ‘respond to your community needs’.

“Gardaí in your area are currently making contact with persons who may be vulnerable during this time to check and see if they’re okay or if they have any particular needs no matter how small.”

The Chief Superinten­dent urged those who are at risk or vulnerable not to put themselves in danger, and instead seek assistance from An Garda Síochána.

“Vulnerable people should not put themselves at risk or danger and everyone should adhere to the HSE guidelines. An Garda Síochána are here to help.”

He added that if anyone who needs help and is unable to get out for groceries or medication, they can contact An Garda Síochána for assistance.

“Or if you are concerned for a family relative who lives alone, please contact us and one of our team can take steps to ensure that your needs are met.

“It might be just a ‘Hello’ or a regular check-in to help people through this challengin­g time,” he explained.

Chief Supt Glackin assured the public that gardaí were working alongside partner agencies and also acknowledg­ed the work being undertaken by local clubs and voluntary community teams who are offering services to help the community.

He thanked the public for their help and cooperatio­n.

“My ask is that you contact gardaí in your local area and help us to identify other persons who may be vulnerable in your communitie­s so that we can assist them in any way.

The Garda Chief concluded by noting the service being given by his members and their families and also assured the public that gardaí would continue to prevent and detect crime and keep communitie­s safe.

The Sligo/Leitrim Garda Facebook page has seen a number of pictures posted of members working in the community over the past week with one Garda even walking a dog for its owner which proved to be a big hit across all social media platforms.

 ??  ?? Gardaí at Sligo Garda Station demonstrat­ing the two metre social distancing requiremen­t.
Gardaí at Sligo Garda Station demonstrat­ing the two metre social distancing requiremen­t.
 ??  ?? Garda Conor McNulty of Sligo Garda Station took guide dog, Rhum for a walk for its owner.
Garda Conor McNulty of Sligo Garda Station took guide dog, Rhum for a walk for its owner.
 ??  ?? New signs have been put in place at Sligo Garda Station.
New signs have been put in place at Sligo Garda Station.
 ??  ?? Newly attested Gardai Michelle Connolly and Garda Niall Mc Gill out on the beat on Castle Street in Sligo ensuring people are adhering to physical distancing when queuing outside the post office.
Newly attested Gardai Michelle Connolly and Garda Niall Mc Gill out on the beat on Castle Street in Sligo ensuring people are adhering to physical distancing when queuing outside the post office.
 ??  ?? Garda Niall Mc Gill took a visit to Knocknarea to see that walkers are keeping a social distance.
Garda Niall Mc Gill took a visit to Knocknarea to see that walkers are keeping a social distance.
 ??  ?? A Garda making a home delivery in the Ballymote area.
A Garda making a home delivery in the Ballymote area.

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