First responders exchange between Tullamore and Chandler proposed

23rd July 2018

AN exchange of first responders between Tullamore and Chandler in Arizona has been proposed by Cllr Tony McCormack.

At last Thursday's Municipal District meeting, Cllr McCormack said the idea had come from Sean Duggan, the Chief of Police in Chandler.

The Fianna Fail councillor said the concept proposes that two members of Tullamore Gardai and two from Offaly fire service go to the US and work with their counterparts in the city of Chandler. 

Similar personnel from Chandler could then come to Tullamore for a comparable experience.

Accommodation for the Tullamore contingent would be sponsored by the Chandler – Tullamore Sister Cities committee, while the Chandler visit to Tullamore will be sponsored by the same committee here. The flights will be paid for by each of the participants.

Councillor McCormack says plans are still in their infancy but he is hoping the exchange could take place in February or March of next year. Depending on the success of the project, it is something that may take place on a biannual basis thereafter.

Tullamore is twinned with the city of Chandler and for the past number of years students from the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore have been going to Chandler and students from Seton High School in Chandler have been coming to Tullamore. This has proved educational and enriching for all those involved.