Officer Eddie McGowan
Edward McGowan first visited the Glasgow Humane Society during the year 1997 after meeting George Parsonage at an open day at Maryhill Police Office.
Eddie learned to row and to handle a launch, to tie ropes and in general to assist with the looking after the safety of persons on and around the river. It was not long before he was assisting George with searches, recoveries and rescues. On several occasions Eddie successfully deputised for George when George was elsewhere and successfully carried out prevention rescue and recovery work.
Among the work carried out was the following;
Assisting Rowing and Canoeing Clubs
Removal of hazards
Retrieval of lifebelts
Prevention of accidents
Assisting with rescues on various waterways
Dealing with media
Dealing with City Officials
Dealing with various Police Departments
Upkeep of lifeboats
Assisting with looking after events on river and riverbank
Rescue and recovery of animals
Rescue
When a senior Police Officer found difficulty in accepting Eddie’s “in-house” training, Eddie decided to spend his weekends with the Territorial Army. Contact was still kept with the Glasgow Humane Society but to a lesser amount.
When the position of Glasgow Humane Society Officer became vacant during 2005, Eddie had no hesitation in applying for the position which he now fills.