7th October 2025
Staff in our Altnagelvin Station gathered to acknowledge Ian Duncan, who completed his last operational shift on 2nd October 2025 and retires after 41 years’ service. Ian joined the ambulance service on 1 October 1984, initially working in ambulance control for six years before moving to frontline operations, first as a Qualified Ambulance Person before completing Paramedic training in the early 90s. Ian spent his entire career based in Altnagelvin and remained fully operational there, until his retirement, which is a remarkable achievement. Also present on the day, were representatives of NIFRS and PSNI who paid tribute to the service Ian has given our communities. Without question, Ian will have made a significant impact on the lives of many in the North West and further afield and we wish him all the very best in his retirement.
As the evening of celebrations came to a close, Danny Gillespie was on station getting ready to commence night duty on his first operational shift as a Student AAP. Danny joined NIAS in August 2019 as an ACA but has now moved on the next stage in his career. Danny’s father, John Patrick Gillespie retired in 2009 as an EMT after 36 years’ service; he would have worked with Ian for many years and it was fitting to see that as Ian retires, Danny is starting a journey Ian and his father walked together.