The death of a member of the Garda Siochana, while in the service of this State, is always a deeply shocking event. But there is a special poignancy about the senseless death of Sergeant Andy Callanan, in the early hours of yesterday morning at Tallaght Garda station. Sgt Callanan, who was scheduled to join the Garda's Computer Section shortly, was within an hour of finishing his tour of duty in Tallaght when a man carrying a drum of petrol and a long knife walked into the station. The suspect pierced the drum and hurled it into the main reception area. There is evidence to suggest that Sgt Callanan, who was married with three young children, may have been killed as he sought to wrestle the attacker from the flames. In expressing his shock and horror, the Garda Commissioner, Mr Byrne, spoke for all citizens when he said that his sense of dismay deepened as he heard further details of the incident. It scarcely seems credible that a Garda sergeant could lose his life as he manned the station desk at around 5 o'clock in the morning. The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, spoke movingly yesterday of how the sergeant had paid the ultimate price in the service of the community and the State. His death, the Minister said, was a tragic reminder of how members of the force perform a difficult and dangerous job.
The precise circumstances of Sgt Callanan's death may be unclear, but it is already apparent that he demonstrated great qualities of bravery and courage. The hope must be that this - and the very warm nature of the tributes to him - will provide some small measure of comfort for his family, relatives, friends and colleagues. The random nature of the attack and the ease with which the assailant gained access to the station will raise questions about the security of Garda premises. Mr Byrne is wise to counsel against any kind of `kneejerk' response. The strength and character of the Garda Siochana springs directly from its firm roots in our community; more, perhaps, than any other police force in Europe, the Garda has strong links to the community it serves.
Clearly, some kind of review of security will be required in Tallaght and in Garda stations across the State. But it is essential that nothing is done to undermine the bond between the Garda and the community, in Tallaght and elsewhere. It is reassuring to hear Commissioner Byrne declare: "We are a police force that is very accessible to the people and I don't intend changing that in any way. We can only police the community with the help of the community". The deep sense of anguish in Tallaght and across the State about the death of Sgt Callanan is testament to the interaction between the police and the public. The best way to honour his memory is to ensure that this bond is strengthened and developed.