Cromer RNLI volunteer receives Service Award

Cromer RNLI recently celebrated the remarkable service of crew member Richard Kirk, marking more than three decades of dedication to the lifeboat station and the community he has always called home.

Born and brought up in Cromer, the lifeboat station was never far from Richard’s world. His father worked for local fisherman Richard Davies, who first suggested that a young Richard might like to get involved with the lifeboat. That simple conversation proved life-changing.

In 1990, aged just 13, Richard began coming down to the station, helping out wherever he could — cleaning, making cups of tea, and lending a hand with the everyday jobs that keep a lifeboat station running. By 1996, his commitment and enthusiasm saw him become a fully-fledged shore crew member.

Over the years, Richard took on a wide range of roles at Cromer. He served as crew on both the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat, was a navigator, head launcher, and an integral part of the shore crew. During his time at the station, the lifeboat launched on countless occasions and 27 lives were saved — a powerful testament to the collective efforts of the crew he was proud to stand alongside.

Reflecting on his service, Richard said: 'The lifeboat station was my second family. It meant everything to me. From the moment I started coming down as a kid, I felt part of something special, and I was incredibly proud to play my part in helping people when they needed us most.'

Richard stepped away from the station in November 2023 to pursue other opportunities, closing a chapter that spanned more than 30 years of commitment, teamwork and service.

John Redmond, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cromer RNLI, paid tribute to Richard’s contribution: 'Richard’s dedication to Cromer Lifeboat Station over so many years has been exceptional. He has carried out a wide range of demanding roles with skill, reliability and passion, and his commitment has made a real difference. We are hugely grateful for everything he has given to the station and the RNLI.'

Richard’s long service certificate recognises not just the years he gave, but the spirit in which he gave them — with loyalty, pride and an unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry. Cromer RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1804 and became part of the RNLI in 1824, and in that time its crews have launched the lifeboats 1435 times and saved 1294 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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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.