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40 years and counting for Arbroath RNLI volunteer

Lifeboats News Release

Arbroath RNLI stalwart Ron Churchill was recently presented with his medal for 40 year service with Arbroath RNLI.

RNLI/Wallace Ferrier

Ron (front right) being presented with his 40 year service medal by Alex Smith
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Lifeboat Operations Manager, Alex Smith, said ‘Congratulations to Ron for receiving his 40 year service medal. Ron has been a stalwart crew member and also as the full time mechanic throughout this time and continues to serve Arbroath Lifeboat Station as DLA and training assistant. We hope he will continue for a few years to come.’

Ron began his lifeboat career after being approached by David Cargill, the station mechanic at the time, back in 1981. After serving as crew for 14 years and seeing the change from the former Rother class RNLB Shoreline to the current Mersey class RNLB Inchcape in 1993, Ron went from strength to strength, serving as emergency, deputy second and second mechanic.

In 2013 Ron was given the opportunity to become the stations full time mechanic, a role he prided himself on until he retired in 2017. However, Ron didn’t stop there and continues to volunteer as a Deputy Launch Authority and station trainer/assessor.

Coxswain/Mechanic, Sam Clow, said ‘Ron has been a great mentor and friend since I arrived in Arbroath. His dedication to the station is exemplary and he is an asset to the RNLI. A 40 year service medal is a fantastic achievement and one that is very well deserved.’

During his service at Arbroath, Ron helped to save the lives of 21 souls, and rescued countless others.

RNLI/Wallace Ferrier

Ron in the wheelhouse of Arbroath's current ALB, RNLB Inchcape
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the authors

Rod McLean
Lifeboat Press Officer, Arbroath Lifeboat Station
Sam Clow

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