Walmer RNLI volunteers awarded for 20 years of saving lives at sea
Long standing and dedicated Walmer volunteers Brad Rebbeck and Steve Emptage have been awarded Long Service Medals for 20 years of service to the RNLI.
Steve, who works in a local vehicle reconstruction centre joined the Walmer crew in January 2001 and is one of the station’s sea-going casualty care crew.
Brad joined the station four months later in May 2001. One of the station helms, he is a firefighter with Kent Fire & Rescue and is also part of the UK and International Search and Rescue which can be deployed to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. It is due to these extra duties that he has reluctantly made the difficult decision to take a step back from active duty with the RNLI.
Speaking at the presentation, Denis said, ‘It’s a big moment for the station to be able to award two such medals to recognise the dedication and huge achievements of Brad and Steve. It’s also a mark of the esteem and respect your fellow volunteers have for you with their attendance this morning to help you celebrate.
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
Photo 1 Operations Manager Denis Brophy (centre) with Brad Rebbeck (left) and Steve Emptage (right)
Photo 2 Walmer volunteers celebrate with Brad and Steve
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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.
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