Peadar Heffron, an ex-policeman who lost a leg after a dissident republican bomb exploded under his vehicle near Randalstown in 2010, now uses a wheelchair. He explained that he would not seize the opportunity to rejoin the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) if it was offered, citing his belief that policing is currently “broken” in the region. He called for further efforts from all community sectors to fix it.
During his tenure in the PSNI, he was the captain of the police Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) team and was publicly targeted by violent extremists keen to deter other nationalists from joining the police. Despite significant resistance from some young nationalists, he encouraged politicians to be more active on the subject.
On Monday, Mr Heffron, now an avid wheelchair hurling and basketball player, was at Stormont to attend an event marking the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. He shared his tale with an audience convened in the Senate Chamber of the Parliament Buildings.
While revealing his experience, Mr Heffron made it clear that he doesn’t harbour any resentment regarding his predicament. He asserted his lack of bitterness and his belief that it would be detrimental for himself, his family, and friends. He accepts that he must live with the repercussions while the instigators have to live with the guilt.
Previously, he spoke about the necessity of leaving his local GAA team in Randalstown due to negative reactions from some members when he joined the police. Nonetheless, he does not bear any “ill feelings” towards GAA and yearns to reconcile with his old team someday. He added that he does not consider it the GAA’s duty to aid in recruiting individuals for the police, asserting the association is inherent in his nature.
Mr Heffron discussed the urgent requirement for local communities to enhance their rapport with the policing agency, so as to motivate more individuals to enlist.
[What explains the continuous low number of Catholics in the PSNI?]
According to Mr Heffron, there is a necessity for communities across the board to self-assess and contribute towards making the local law enforcement function smoothly since currently, it is somewhat failing to do so.
When he was probed about the persistent hesitation amongst some nationalists to pursue a career as PSNI officers, he responded by stating that if he were to reflect as his 26-year-old self again, with the awareness he possesses now, he would refrain from joining the service. His definitive response was a strong ‘no’.” – PA