17/01/2025
Welcome to our new staff spotlight section which highlights the many services delivered by Cork City Council on a daily basis.
In this edition of our staff spotlight, you'll get to know our Civil Defence Officer, Veronica Forde.
Tell us about your job?
Cork City Civil Defence is made up of 74 volunteers who provide support to emergency response services and community events. My role involves general administration and co-ordination of Cork City Civil Defence and the management of our fantastic volunteers. This includes their weekly multi-disciplinary training in everything from search and rescue, medical support to the ambulance service, medical support at events and also support to the fire service - especially during severe weather events.
How did you end up working as a Civil Defence Officer?
My own background is actually social work. I was working in that area when I saw the ad’ come up for this role. I had been a Civil Defence Volunteer for 11 years at that stage, providing search and rescue training, and I just thought, you know I might like that job? I had plenty of transferrable skills and good experience of working with volunteers. That was 28 years ago and I’m still here and I still love this job.
What does a typical day involve?
A typical day might involve working on procuring equipment, vehicles or personal protective equipment , engaging with the public or organising training with our training Instructors. We always have to expect the unexpected though and our days and nights can suddenly be turned on their heads if we receive a call for support from the Principal Response Agencies . I might be halfway through my day when for example a call will come from Cork City Fire Brigade or City Council saying there’s flooding expected and we will need to provide support with pumping water. Last week for example, we supported our colleagues in the Interagency Emergency Management Office, Cork North East and Cork West Civil Defence with the severe snowfall by transporting public health nurses to people’s homes when they needed essential care. We also transported patients to hospitals for dialysis and essential healthcare staff to and from work as necessary.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love working with the volunteers. I love watching them join Civil Defence, learn and develop over time. A big part of my job is motivating the Volunteers and Instructors and it’s great to see people you’ve trained up begin to develop and motivate new recruits in turn and to watch as their skill sets, experience and knowledge grows.
What can make your job challenging at times?
Unexpected weather situations can be challenging. I have to co-ordinate the response on our end but I am fully dependant on volunteers being available. Their commitment is incredible though, without them Civil Defence could not deliver as required, but they never let us down.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take any opportunity that comes your way. Your initial reaction might be to decline but take a chance, try it out, then make an informed decision on whether its for you or not.