Colúm McClelland joined Warrenpoint fire station as an on-call firefighter in 2024. Fifteen relatives in his family have served in Newry-area stations since 1877. Their combined service totals more than 320 years.

Alexander McClelland co-founded Newry Fire Station in 1877. Two major fires struck Newry on November 10 that year. The town lacked a municipal brigade before then. Private brigades covered insured properties only. Town commissioner Mr O’Hagan linked the station to Newry Rowing Club. Alexander served as its secretary and first officer. The brigade started with 18 men: 12 volunteers and 6 paid from the prior insurance group, including Captain R.F. Magennis.

Jackie McClelland, Colúm’s grandfather, led Newry Fire Station as section leader. He served from 1940 to 1975. He worked in fire services in Birmingham and Coventry during World War Two. He also served in Belfast. An explosion in 1973 ended his career.

John McClelland, Colúm’s uncle, held the role of Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland. He served from 1968 to 2002 and led brigade training.

Other family members served across decades. Jimmy McClelland worked 1940 to 1954. Joe McClelland served 1965 to 1995. Raymond McClelland was active 1989 to 2022. Kieran McClelland continues service until 2025. Relatives Mickey Linnie, Robert Campbell, Terence Bannon and Ryan Devlin also joined.

Colúm works days at a family business in Bessbrook. He describes the role as demanding reliability at any hour for fires, collisions and rescues.