A commemorative plaque for a firefighter who died while at work has been unveiled by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB).
John “Jack” Darmon was electrocuted while working on a fire brigade vehicle at the garage pit at Tara Street Station on August 23rd, 1938.
The skilled firefighter, driver and mechanic left behind a wife and four children who lived on the married quarters of the station grounds.
He joined DFB in 1922 and was one of the brigade’s motor drivers while the service was still using some horse-drawn carriages.
His death occurred at a time of considerable reorganisation within the Dublin Fire Brigade, and the service said his passing was therefore overlooked and never properly marked by a memorial in the station.
Fire brigade historian Las Fallon told the unveiling ceremony on Monday that Mr Darmon was also a member of the K Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade during the War of Independence.
Mr Darmon’s grandson, Colin, who travelled from Canada for the unveiling, was among a number of relatives who attended the ceremony.
He said his father Tony, 88, and his aunt Kathleen, aged 92, are Mr Darmon’s two surviving children in Canada.
“My grandfather was a dedicated family man, who loved Dublin and loved his country of Ireland,” he said.
“We’re very proud of my grandfather’s contribution to the Republic of Ireland and making it what it is today.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the Dublin City Council commemorative plaque, chief fire officer Dennis Keeley said: “Dublin Fire Brigade are delighted to have the opportunity to mark and remember firefighter Darmon and welcome members of his family who have travelled here today for this occasion.”
Mr Keeley said the DFB is “grateful” to the council for the plaque honouring a firefighter who had “slipped through” the organisation’s long and proud history.
It is the second plaque for the fire brigade under the Dublin City Council commemorative scheme.
Mr Keeley said the plaques honour firefighters who “paid the supreme price for their service”.
He added: “Jack Darmon’s death in the line of duty was a tragedy for the brigade.”
Councillor Tom Brabazon said Mr Darmon’s plaque is a way to “remember the sacrifices made by a man who lost his life in the service of the people of Dublin”.
Mr Brabazon said there would be two further plaques honouring firefighters in the future.
He said the council also acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of Mr Darmon’s successors in Dublin Fire Brigade.
Mr Brabazon said: “All the members of Dublin Fire Brigade provide a truly professional service responding to the worst of situations with compassion and dedication.
“I know all of us in the city are grateful for what they do.”
