Mayoral honour for Waterford's community Gardaí
Community Garda Bronagh Ryan with Zach Bailey. Photo: Joe Evans
Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Seamus Ryan extended the honour of a Mayoral Reception to Waterford Community Gardaí at City Hall recently.
Addressing the large attendance of gardaí present for the occasion, Mayor Ryan said it was a pleasure to recognise the work of Waterford's Garda Community Policing team "and the vital role they play across Waterford City and its surrounding areas".
Present for the occasion were Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, Superintendent Gavin Hegarty and Inspector Shay Keevans, Sergeant John Barron and Garda Joanna Colfer from Ferrybank, along with members of the wider Community Policing team, including Garda Dave Browne, Garda Iain O’Byrne, Garda Michael Lennon, Garda Cormac O’Riordan, Garda Bronagh Ryan, Garda Ciara Heffernan, Garda Darragh McSweeney, Garda Lorraine O’Dwyer, Garda Clodagh Horgan and Garda Darren O’Donovan.
"Your presence reflects the commitment of An Garda Síochána to meaningful community engagement and visible policing that supports every part of our city," Mayor Ryan said.
"Although she is unable to attend, I also want to acknowledge Sergeant Maureen Neary, who leads the Community Policing Unit with dedication and professionalism.
"This team does far more than patrols and responses. They support some of the most vulnerable people in our city, including those experiencing homelessness and elderly residents who may be isolated or at risk."
Mayor Ryan commended the team's work with groups such as Meals on Wheels, "a reminder that policing is not only about enforcement, but about care, compassion, and connection".
"Community policing only works when the people delivering it believe in it, and here in Waterford we are fortunate to have a team who are dedicated to their areas and deeply committed to the communities they serve," said Mayor Ryan. "Their work helps shape a safer, stronger, and more connected city for all of us. To everyone in the Community Policing team, thank you for your service, your compassion, and the positive difference you make every day."
