Who is Alan Blair

Alan Blair joined the Fire Brigade as a Retained Firefighter in 1986 and was based in Newtownards Fire Station. He quickly rose up the ranks first as a Leading Firefighter in 1988 and then as Sub Officer, now known was Watch Commander, in 1991.

Alan retired in 2021 after 35 years of dedicated service.

As a Retained Firefighter in one of the busiest retained stations in Northern Ireland, Alan sacrificed his personal time with his family and friends opting to get fire engines out and help people in need.

In 1993, after returning home from a fire call, Alan stopped at the canal across from the station and after discovering a woman had fallen into the water, Alan entered the water to rescue the woman from drowning. For Alan's selfless actions he received a Commendation for Bravery.

Also in 1993, Alan was one of the first responders to the Newtownards Bombing taking initial command of the incident and brought order to the chaos.

In the 90’s and 00’s, Alan also competed in the UKRO RTC competitions. Alan built and led a team, which won in Northern Ireland and competed with great success throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Alan and his team gave up their weekends, cutting up cars and perfecting RTC skills, without payment, and pioneered RTC Techniques using the team approach that as still used and taught in the Fire Service training school today.

Alan spent years raising money for Charities through car washes, santa visits as well as many other events.

He helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for a range of charities such as Marie Curie, Firefighters Charity and for fallen FDNY Firefighters directly after the 9/11 attacks.

Alan built a team of highly trained and passionate firefighters which has given Newtownards Fire Station a highly regarded reputation which still stands today.

Alan also found the time to work as a Bus Driver for Translink, time to ride his motorbike and go on caravan holidays....as well as trying to keep his family happy and he managed to do this for over 30 years.

WC Alan Blair retired from the fire service in 2021

What happened?

On Tuesday the 30th April 2024, less than 3 years into retirement, Alan Blair suffered from a blockage in the brain known as an Ischemic Stroke.

This left Alan with weakness to his right side of his face, arm and leg. He has also trouble with his vision and trouble speaking.

What are we raising money for?

As part of the recovery process Alan requires a special recumbent bike to help repair the strength lost in his right side, this bike will be staying in the stroke unit physio department. We are also raising funds to help with ongoing rehabilitation costs. Any money left over will be donated to a charity of Alan's choice.

Anyone who knows or has worked with Alan will know he is strong minded and fiercely independent and will hate anyone having to “look after him”.

He would never ask anyone for help and will probably be annoyed that the fire station are doing this Just-Giving appeal for him.

BUT

‘ONCE a firefighter, ALWAYS a firefighter’

And Retired Watch Commander Alan Blair needs our help….

Nothing else needs to be said!