Garda Lydon signs off on a successful career
By Maurice Garvey
THE retirement of a Clondalkin Community Policing Sergeant Stephen Lydon, has left “big shoes to fill” after he signed off on a successful career recently.
A well-known figure in the local community since his transfer to Clondalkin in 2003, Sgt Lydon was instrumental in organising events that saw members of the public engage with gardai.
Sgt Stephen Lydon with colleagues during an open day in Clondalkin Garda station
This included the open days at Clondalkin Garda Station, and a heavy involvement in numerous community forums and the Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade.
“A person like that has to have a certain skillset, and it is big shoes to fill,” said Clondalkin Superintendent Brendan Connolly.
“He did a lot of important work here, preferred to do it in the background, but he was always very effective and efficient.
“The open days over the years have got more popular, with involvement from the Army and Civil Defence. When she was Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald always attended. Stephen organised all that, and also ran a schools art competition in conjunction with the open day, which received a fantastic response.”
Sgt Lydon joined An Garda Síochána in 1979, serving in Monaghan for four years, before moving to Ballyfermot Garda Station in 1984.
During his 38 years of service, he received a number of commendations and promotions.
Supt Connolly said there is a huge interest within the ranks at Clondalkin for community policing.
“There is a deep interest with gardai here in community policing. I will ensure every effort to bring the numbers up. We are due eight new recruits at the end of the month, and that will provide an opportunity to assign new roles.”
