Walmer RNLI crew member hangs up dry suit for the final time
On Sunday, 29 September, and after 25 years of service with the RNLI, crew member Andrew Murray completed his final exercise after taking the decision to step down.
Andrew received his 20 Year Service Award in 2019 from Lifeboat Operations Manager Denis Brophy. During his service to the charity, he has launched to incidents or on exercise over 320 times, aiding over 500 people and helping save four lives. It was quite fitting that on his final exercise afloat, he was accompanied by crew members who themselves have served over 80 years at Walmer between them.
While congratulating him on his service Denis said: ‘ You have been a loyal and reliable crew member on both of our lifeboats and as shore crew. I have to mention Tuesday evening training when you always managed to arrive just as the tea and biscuits were being served. On a personal note, I remember when you first joined you would sit upstairs in the old crew room reading your book and eating your snack in your break times from work.’
In response, Andrew thanked everyone at Walmer, praising the One Crew ethos and remembering the time when he was literally press-ganged into joining the station by other volunteers on the beach at the time. He said: ’When I first walked into the station twenty-five years ago, I was immediately made to feel welcome.’
Andrew and his wife have been invited back to the Annual Crew Dinner in December where it is hoped that he will be presented with his RNLI Certificate of Service.
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
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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