THE former district commander of Enniskillen Fire Station who recently retired following 15 years of service has been recognised at a special reception by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. 
Robbie Bryson who has retired after 15 years of service to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the last seven as district commander, was the guest of honour at an event hosted by Council Chairman Stephen McCann who wanted to acknowledge his “exemplary service” to Fermanagh.
“Robbie, your leadership skills transcend those displayed within the fire service,” he told the invited guests, including many of Mr. Bryson’s former fire station colleagues. 
“A truly remarkable 15 years of leadership provided by Robbie,” said Councillor McCann. 
Mr. Bryson joined the fire service on in March 1990 when he was stationed at Whitla Street Fire Station. In 2002, he joined W4D as station commander of personnel and training and was subsequently promoted to the rank of assistant group commander, and then in September 2010he was promoted to the post of district commander for the Enniskillen district.
In 2010, Mr. Bryson joined his NIFRS colleagues to help firefighters in Germany celebrate the 150th anniversary of the fire service in Bielefeld which involved undertaking a marathon cycle to the city.
This, explained Councillor McCann, not only raised awareness of the World Police and Fire Games but also raised awareness of the Organ donation register.
In 2013, Mr. Bryson developed the FEARmanagh adventure race, a well established annual event in the Derrygonnelly area, organised by the Council in partnership with the emergency services. 
“This event has year on year gained more and more popularity, with this year’s event attracting a record breaking 300 entries and with a waiting list for the first time in its history.
“Robbie, for you it has not just been about being a leader and organiser, you have also been a great competitor, having competed in all five annual events to date. You won the long race competition in 2014 and held on to the title for an incredible three years; 2014, 2015 and 2016 and improving your winning performance every year.
“You have also competed in a number of World Police and Fire Games around the world which involved you competing in events including mountain running, cycling, orienteering and bringing home a number of gold medals,” said Councillor McCann.  This year’s FEARmanagh event “surpassed all expectations” and will “undoubtedly continue to grow”.