Mayoral reception for Billy O’Flaherty

At the reception organised by Council’s Good Relations Unit, the Mayor of Ballymena, Maurice Mills described the recently retired Mr O’Flaherty, as “a shining example of an exemplary officer”.

Councillor Mills paid particular credit to Billy’s work with Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum and Ballymena Inter Agency Ethnic Support Group.

He noted that, in his role as Minority Ethnic Co-ordinator for the PSNI, Billy had demonstrated that he always had the interest of the community at heart – particularly the vulnerable and marginalised

He said: “With his pro active approach, perseverance and dedication to vulnerable communities, Billy has made a significant contribution to minority ethnic communities by strengthening their relationships with the PSNI.

“Ballymena Borough Council’s Good Relations Unit has been proud and happy to work in partnership with Billy O’Flaherty

As Minority Ethnic Co-ordinator, Billy successfully applied for and acquired funding from the ‘Policing in the Community Fund’ for a Bilingual Advocacy Service which served the needs of the three main Ethnic Minority Groups in Ballymena. This service continues today through the funding of Ballymena Community Safety Partnership, Ballymena District Policing Partnership and Ballymena Borough Council’s Good Relations Unit and OFMDFM.

Ivy Ridge, Ethnic Minorities Project Manager said: “Billy was instrumental in building positive relationships between the PSNI and Ethnic Minority Community.

“We feel privileged to have worked with Billy and we have no doubt that the relationships he built will be further strengthened. We wish Billy all the very best for the future.”

To find out more information about Ethnic Minority projects and initiatives in Ballymena contact Ivy Ridge, Ethnic Minorities Project Manager for Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum (Tel: 028 2564 3605 or contact Jackie Patton, Community Relations Officer for Ballymena Borough Council on 028 2566 0300.