Cushendall’s finest: Archie McKay reflects on 35 years of service

NIFRS Group Commander Archie McKay with his patrol car

In the verdant Glens of Antrim, where the rolling farmlands of Cushendall and Cushendun meet the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastline, Archie McKay’s story began.

From humble origins as a farmer’s son wielding hand shears to clip sheep, Archie forged a remarkable 35-year career in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, rising to the rank of Group Commander and leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served.

On 1 April 2025, the much-respected Glens man retired, closing a chapter defined by courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.

Born into a farming family, Archie’s work ethic was honed early. “I clipped sheep with hand shears,” he recalls, a task requiring patience and precision that would later mirror the meticulous care he brought to his firefighting career.

Educated at Glenann Primary, Cushendall and St MacNissi’s College (Garron Tower) in Carnlough, he went on to study at Loughry and Greenmount Agricultural Colleges. His early years were spent working on farms and auction marts across the region, alongside a stint at Gillan’s Chemist in Cushendall, grounding him in the tight-knit community he would later serve.

Archie on fire call on the old Dennis fire engine at Ballymena Fire Station

On 26 March 1990, Archie’s life took a pivotal turn when he began training with the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. Just months later, on 6 August, he was among the inaugural cohort of Wholetime firefighters stationed outside Belfast or Derry, posted to Ballymena Fire Station.

It was the start of a career that would see him confront the full spectrum of emergencies, from raging fires and road traffic collisions to hazardous materials incidents, flooding, and large animal rescues.

His recollections of his service are vivid and often harrowing. Archie speaks of the night multiple carpet warehouses were firebombed in Ballymena, a chaotic scene demanding swift action. Another defining moment came in 1996 during a temporary posting in Belfast.

“I heard a rumble in the distance. Some younger guys said it was thunder—but I knew that sound,” he recounts. Moments later, he was leading the response to the devastating bombing at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers firefighters face.

Archie’s ascent through the ranks was steady and distinguished. Promoted to Leading Firefighter in 1997, Sub Officer in 1999, Station Officer in 2002, Assistant Group Commander in 2012, and finally Group Commander in 2020, he took charge at numerous high-stakes incidents.

Archie McKay  Group commander NIFRS 

Among them were the Sunstart Bakery and Waveney Laundry fires in Ballymena, as well as the Glenariffe/Parkmore forest fire in June 2023, a blaze so severe it was declared a Major Incident. His leadership in these moments cemented his reputation as a calm and capable commander.

Beyond the fireground, McKay’s expertise was vast. He qualified as a Hazardous Materials Advisor, CBRNe DIM Advisor, Large Animal Rescue Advisor, Level 2 Fire Investigator, and Critical Incident Debriefer.

Since 2012, he also specialised in fire safety, working to prevent incidents in both domestic and commercial settings. His preventative approach, coupled with his operational prowess, made him a cornerstone of the Northern Area Command, where he served as Group Commander for Prevention and Protection until his retirement.

Archie with Fire Service colleagues in 1990 

Archie’s career also spanned a period of significant technological advancement in firefighting. He recalls his initial breathing apparatus training in July 1990, when firefighters wore yellow plastic leggings and short tunics—gear that pales in comparison to today’s fire-resistant bunker suits and redesigned helmets. These changes, he notes, have greatly enhanced firefighter safety, a cause he championed throughout his tenure.

Away from the demands of the fire service, the much-loved family man’s personal life was rich and fulfilling.

He married Nicola in 1993, and the couple raised four children, initially settling in Glengormley before moving to Ballycastle in 1997. His family provided a steadfast anchor amidst the high-pressure world of emergency response.

Permanent Secretary calls to thank NIFRS members after serious of gorse fires with Archie McKay  

Archie with Carnlough FF on his last day of service 

Group commander Archie McKay with Cushendall FF 

Even in retirement, his dedication to public safety endures. He now volunteers with Skywatch NI, a charity providing aerial drone support to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service during wildland fires. His recent deployments to the Mournes, Ballygawley, and the Sperrins demonstrate that the call to serve remains strong.

“It’s about helping the community,” he says simply, a principle that has guided his life’s work.

From the fields of Antrim to the front lines of Northern Ireland’s most challenging emergencies, Archie McKay’s journey is a testament to resilience, service, and an unyielding commitment to others.

From farm fields to fire-grounds and now the skies above, Archie McKay’s journey is a testament to unwavering service and a lifelong dedication to helping others.

Happy retirement Archie!