A CEREMONY was held at Marine Rescue Port Stephens, (MRPS), where 18 members of the Unit were recognised for their service and courage.

Recipients of the National Medal; conferred by the Governor General were, Ross Debenham, Ronald Lighton and Paul Farnill and presented by Steve Raymond, Regional Operations Manager for the Hunter, Central Coast, Marine Rescue NSW.

The National Medal recognises 15 years of long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

Lloyd Cropper was presented with his 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasps for Marine Rescue NSW Long Service Medal representing over 40 years of service.

Deniece Gilliland, Paul Farnill and Russell Craig received the Marine Rescue NSW Long Service Medal for 10 years of service.

Michael Brown was awarded the Commissioner’s Citation for the part he played in the “Excalibur” rescue operation in 2002.

This is one of only seven rescue operations recognised on the Marine Rescue and successor organisations Honour Board.

MRPS received the Unit Citation for Courage and Service in relation to the 2015 “Reef Dragon” rescue operation.

Individual Crew and Communications Centre members had previously received their awards.

This ceremony follows on from earlier this year when the Commissioner, Stacey Tannos presented awards to 21 MRPS Members for their role in the rescues related to the “East Coast Low” in 2016.

Unit Commander, Lee Uebergang told News Of The Area, “It is very encouraging for all our 240 members to see their colleagues being recognised for selfless voluntary service by the making of these awards.”

“Recognition of volunteers doing our jobs professionally as part of the Emergency Services framework inspires all our volunteer members to strive to be even more effective.”

 

By Mandy ELLIS