West Kirby RNLI volunteer to receive MBE for decades of dedicated service
Jonathan ‘Jono’ Dodd, RNLI Helm at West Kirby Lifeboat Station has dedicated nearly 40 years to the charity and has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
During almost four decades of saving lives at sea, Jono has held a number of roles. He has served at West Kirby on the inshore lifeboat and, for a period between 1991 and 2000, as both lifeboat and shore crew at Hoylake RNLI on the all-weather lifeboat.
Having joined the RNLI in October 1988, Jono is currently a helm at West Kirby Lifeboat Station. As well as commanding the lifeboat, he continues to fulfil multiple operational roles including lifeboat training coordinator, navigator, launch vehicle driver, shore crew and casualty carer. Reflecting on his experience and ongoing commitment, Jono said:
‘I am truly honoured to receive this recognition. It’s still sinking in, and I feel both humbled and elated. My journey with West Kirby and Hoylake lifeboats has been a team effort over the past 38 years, and I accept this honour on behalf of the incredible colleagues I’ve served alongside, past and present. Of course, none of this would have been possible without my family’s unwavering support.’
Throughout his service, Jono has been involved in a wide range of rescues and incidents. While each service call stands out for different reasons, he says attending the RNLI’s 200th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey was particularly meaningful, reinforcing for him the importance of the charity and the impact of its lifesaving work.
Outside of the RNLI, Jono has built a lifelong career at sea. He began his nautical journey at West Kirby Sailing Club as an assistant boatman and working on local fishing boats, before joining the Merchant Navy. He later qualified as an officer and now works as a senior dynamic positioning operator on offshore drilling rigs.
Jono lives in West Kirby with his wife Michelle, stepson Jay, daughter Amelia, and Eric the family cat.
As helm at West Kirby, Jono plays a vital leadership role, ensuring the safety of his crew while coordinating rescues in challenging conditions. His calm professionalism, dedication and wealth of experience have made a lasting impact on the station and the wider RNLI community.
Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive says:
'It is no understatement that the water in and around the Wirral and West Kirby is a safer place thanks to Jono. Totally immersed in all aspects of station life, his selflessness, integrity and inclusivity are an inspiration.’
Notes to Editors
- Images of Jono Dodd at West Kirby Lifeboat Station and the RNLI 200th celebrations at Westminster Abbey in March 2024.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Eve Kemp, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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
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