Sammy Nicholl honoured with '˜Emergency Services Hero' award for dedication to work

The audience on the night heard that for more than 30 years Sammy has committed himself to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to ensure that people across the North stay safe.

He was described as the “epitome of what an ambulance person should be.”

In the nomination for this award praise was given to the paramedics who service Derry every day.

“When you are in need, you call people that you can trust. The ambulance service receives more than 200,000 calls per year. The work they do is appreciated by all communities in this city and beyond. The men and women of the service have gained our utmost respect throughout the years. It is one thing having the respect of those you help, but when you have the utmost respect of your peers then you really can lay claim to being the best of the best.”

There were numerous nominations under the Emergency Services including a group of trainee paramedics who were responsible - with members of the public - for rescuing a man who was on the wrong side of the railings at the Foyle Bridge.

The young man had initially been refusing help but was eventually helped to safety by the new recruits. Their quick thinking in securing the man to the railings was said to be instrumental in saving his life.

The Emergency Services category continues to be a popular aspect of the Derry Journal People of the Year awards.