Two Bangor RNLI volunteers presented with 30 year Long Service Awards

Meanwhile, volunteers Iain Dobie and Kevin Baird who are stepping down from their roles after significant lengths of service were also recognised, Iain with a Certificate of Service and Kevin Baird with a framed photograph.

Presentations were made locally on Friday (21 November) by fellow volunteers Bryan Lawther, Kevin Byers and James Gillespie.

John and James were presented with 30 year medals in recognition of their dedication and commitment as volunteers to the RNLI, both are helms on the station's inshore lifeboat.

On receiving the award, James said: 'Over the years, I have forged life long friendships within the RNLI and want to thank all of the volunteers at the station, and say a very special thank you to our families, whose support is vital in enabling us to do what we do.'

Kevin who is stepping down as Launch Authority said: 'It has been a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with people who answer the call without hesitation whatever the hour, whatever the weather. That’s rare. And it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I want to thank all the volunteers past and present who I have worked with including the helms, the crews, the shore crew, the Launch Authorities and Lifeboat Operations Managers.'

Speaking about all four volunteers, Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'All four have made a substantial and crucial contribution to Bangor RNLI and I want to commend them all and thank them and their families for their selfless dedication over many years.'

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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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