The first priorities for firefighters throughout the World are to save life, to protect property from fire and to render humanitarian assistance. In the course of their duties no boundary should ever restrict them, as fire has no respect for colour, race or creed. The Firefighter must at all times be ready to respond in a professional and caring manner to all those in need of their services, without ever stopping to count the cost, which may ultimately be paid with their own lives. It is to that end that firefighters find themselves held in high respect by those who bear witness to a dangerous, demanding and essential necessity within every community.
The fire service in Belfast has always been, even from its earliest days, one which believed in itself, with a belief that it was a vital requirement in the growth and prosperity of its citizens, where in a protected environment they could live and work in safety. It was a service that was never too humble to acknowledge change as time often demanded. A service that sought knowledge, reaching out to provide only the best under the circumstances in which it found itself. Whether those circumstances were of war or civil unrest made no difference, and if any difference was to be found it was only an increased determination to overcome the demands put upon it, above and beyond the call of duty.
"THE BEST OF TIMES"
and
"THE WORST OF TIMES"
Bill and Harry who put together this web site along with the information they
gathered on the history of the "BFB" were both both serving members of the Northern Ireland
Fire Brigade until Harry retired on 1st June 2003.
Bill who has four generations of family associated to
the Fire brigade retired from Glengormley Fire Station on 24th October 2003 having served since joining
the Fire Force Headquarters in Lisburn. Co.Antrim on 7 March 1967.
Harry joined the Northern Ireland Fire Authority
as a Cadet Officer on 4 October 1971, and up until his retirement was the Divisional Officer in charge of, 'The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Unit' at Brigade Headquarters.
Lisburn. Co.Antrim with thirty years full time service.
Together they are the joint authors of a book based on their research entitled;
"THE FLAMING TRUTH"
Published in 2001.
by
Flaming Publications 
Printed by Priory Press Holywood Co.Down.
Priced at £14.99.
e.mail address bill.broadhurst@ntlworld.com
Right now they are working on the History of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority, having already
put together the Histories of the Newry, Lisburn, Carrickfergus, Bangor and Newtownards Fire Brigades,
as well as the Auxiliary Fire Service in Northern Ireland. In their spare time they have also helped families trace their relatives
who have in the past served with the fire brigade.
Knowing that the Belfast Fire Brigade had been one
of the most professional brigades not only in the United Kingdom, but in the world they believed it
should have its history recorded for posterity, and all their completed work has been filed with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland for future
local historians to view. They hope that anyone who may have reason to
read their book or have need to use their archives in the future shall achieve a better understanding
not only into the workings of the fire brigade but may also receive an insight into the social development of Belfast as
a City.
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