Long-serving North Berwick RNLI volunteer receives King’s Police Medal
One of the RNLI’s volunteer crew has received an award for her distinguished service to policing.
Rhona Meikle, crew at North Berwick, is also one of two volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on the lifeboat station’s D class lifeboat.
Now she has been recognised by His Majesty the King in his Birthday Honours. She has been awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM).
Congratulating Rhona, Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: ‘I offer my warmest congratulations to Rhona. These honours are recognition of the skill and hard work of officers and staff who deliver for Scotland’s communities and keep people safe every day.’
Sgt Rhona Meikle has 28 years’ service in East Lothian, including 15 years as a dog handler, finding missing persons, securing evidence for serious and organised crime investigations and protecting police and public.
She has volunteered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in North Berwick, for 30 years, carrying out rescues in the Firth of Forth. She has brought her experience with RNLI into her work in East Lothian, working with partner agencies to reduce incidents of drowning in the area.
Rhona also uses her experience with dogs to work with young offenders, using her own dogs to act as therapy for young people.
Rhona, who has given 10 years to her LPO role, said: ‘I’m honoured to receive this award. Policing, RNLI and Paws for Progress are organisations I am immensely proud of. They have enabled me to dedicate my time to work with dogs and people, often during their worst times.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Suzanne O’Brien, RNLI Comms Placement for Scotland, 07483 494407, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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