The work of the Northern Ireland Fire Service has been honoured with an Assembly award at a Stormont ceremony.
Lord Alderdice, the Assembly Speaker, said representatives had voted unanimously in favour of an Assembly motion to pay tribute to the service's important role, particularly over the last 30 years.
The North's Chief Fire Officer, Mr John McClelland, yesterday accepted a hand-painted scroll of honour, incorporating design features from the ceiling of the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings.
Ms Bairbre de Brun, the North's Minister of Health and Social Services, acknowledged the nine officers who lost their lives during the Troubles and the 800 members injured while on duty over the last five years. She also paid tribute to administrative staff.
"Many of you have suffered injuries in the line of duty and, tragically, some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives. However, your unswerving dedication has meant that lives have been saved, and will continue to be saved," she said.
Ms de Brun also urged those involved in the increasing number of attacks on fire crews to consider the costs of their actions as they were putting the whole community at risk.
In his first public engagement in the role of acting First Minister following Mr David Trimble's resignation, Sir Reg Empey announced an increase in funding for the service to £54.4 million annually.
"Theirs is a tough job," he said. "It's the kind of work that takes guts, the kind of work that calls for special human beings, people possessed of the qualities of selflessness".
The recent attacks on the service represented an unacceptable burden.
"We must remember that they are a civilian service-provider who voluntarily take on this dangerous job. In responding to calls for assistance they do not first see if they like the person in distress, the nature of his politics, his religion or the colour of his skin," added Sir Reg.