Leitrim Civil Defence seeks new volunteers for Drumshanbo unit

New recruits aged 18 and over are being invited to join the team, with training in first aid, search and rescue, flood response and emergency communications.

Leitrim Civil Defence is inviting volunteers aged 18 and over to join its Drumshanbo-based unit, offering training in first aid, search and rescue, flood response and emergency communications.

Civil Defence is a statutory, volunteer-based agency within the Department of Defence, which supports the principal response agencies, including the HSE, Fire Service and An Garda Síochána.

The organisation has opened applications for new recruits interested in gaining experience in a range of disciplines, including first aid, community and flood response, search and rescue, and emergency communications.

Those interested in joining will be required to complete an application form and, depending on the level of interest, may be invited for an interview. Applicants will then undergo Garda vetting before progressing to the minimum training standards.

These include an induction, manual handling and the Tusla Children First programme. Applications for the Leitrim branch close this Friday, November 6.

Antonia Irwin, acting Civil Defence Officer for Leitrim, volunteered with the organisation for three years before taking up her current role.

She said the organisation had been “recruiting steadily this year and last”, with 27 current volunteers, up from 17 in 2025.

Although recruitment usually takes place once a year, Ms Irwin said it was ultimately “based on operational needs”.

Describing the ideal candidate, Ms Irwin said they should “be reliable and committed, a good team player who is willing to upskill and has the ability to remain calm under pressure”.

While recognising that committing time to volunteering can be difficult, she said volunteers “should be prepared to give some of their time to training and events if needed”.

Volunteers are required to attend six training sessions and complete two duties annually. These duties may involve providing medical cover at community events across Leitrim.

As the winter months approach, volunteers can also expect to work alongside emergency services during severe weather events.

Training includes floodwater pumping alongside the Fire Service and establishing rest centres, depending on the severity of the situation.

These facilities allow vulnerable members of the community to seek shelter and safety.

Ms Irwin also emphasised that “there is a place for everyone” in Leitrim Civil Defence.

With volunteers from all walks of life and a range of ages, she said the unit benefits from having a diverse membership.

Niall Sweeney, a current volunteer from Dromahair, has been involved with Leitrim Civil Defence since March 2026.

During his seven months with the unit, he has enjoyed the social aspect of volunteering, which allows “new friendships” to develop and relationships to be built.

He also highlighted the sense of belonging, along with the value of providing a service to the community and “doing good with your spare time”.

Nathan Jones, another current volunteer, is from Rooskey and has been involved with Civil Defence for the past year.

He values the opportunity to develop “new skills”, including “operating the drone and going out on the boat”, which are two essential practices when searching for missing persons.

Nationwide, Civil Defence currently has more than 2,000 volunteers.

The agency’s work extends beyond providing cover at individual events, helping to build safer communities through training, emergency assistance and service to the public.

Anyone interested in volunteering with Leitrim Civil Defence can contact the Civil Defence Officer on (071) 962 0005 or visit here.