Behind-the-scenes Coastguard heroes honoured at national awards ceremony

Three behind-the-scenes heroes from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have won national recognition at the Control Room Awards 2022.

A ceremony at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday night (September 21) celebrated unsung staff on the opening day of the Emergency Services Show. More than 170 nominations were received from over 40 organisations.

The winners from the MCA were Garry Campion, Jules Fynn and Tom Barnett.

Garry won the John Gilhooly Unsung Hero Award, named after John Gilhooly who served in the Scottish Ambulance Service control room for almost 30 years.

Jules was recognised as Young Achiever of the Year. Simone Jefford, also of the MCA, was shortlisted for the same prize.

While Tom was named as Community Champion by the award judges.

The MCA’s Jonathan Mustard was shortlisted for the Control Room Ambassador of the Year, while Garry Campion was also in the running to win the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tom said it was 'incredible' to see the MCA well represented at the awards.

Tom Barnett after being presented with his award

He added: “It was an honour for so many HM Coastguard personnel – who work tirelessly in the background supporting frontline operations – to be shortlisted.

“These awards are greatly appreciated in their recognition of the work we do. Congratulations to all finalists and winners on the night, very well deserved. We did the Coastguard proud.”

Organisers of the awards said they shine a much-deserved spotlight on the often life-saving hard work, professionalism and resilience of the humble control room community.

We run through each of the MCA’s deserving winners below.

Garry Campion, winner of the John Gilhooly Award

When Maritime Operations Team Leader Garry joined HM Coastguard in 1999, he was using paper charts and calculators. Now, 23 years later, he remains just as committed to saving lives at sea – albeit with digital tools these days.

He joined the MCA with a background as an experienced Royal Navy diver, working at the former Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on The Solent, before moving to the new Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in 2014.

Combining his wealth of knowledge with supportive leadership, he has educated the next generation. He is described by colleagues as a 'devoted, unflinching rock' of the service, who is 'loyal, caring and totally committed to those he line manages'.

After receiving 11 nominations, the judges of the awards hailed him a worthy winner of the unsung hero prize, describing him as a perfect example of the 'selfless service ethos of the control room community'.

Jules Fynn, winner of Young Achiever of the Year

At just 23, Jules has been described as the 'search and rescue guardian of the Thames'. The Senior Maritime Operations Officer works 12 hour shifts, day and night, from Woolwich in London – keeping an eye on the entire river.

The judges almost ran out of words to praise Jules’ extraordinary and outstanding maturity, skill, talent and dedication in taking the lead on very challenging 999 incidents.

Jules Fynn after winning Young Achiever of the Year

Colleagues from the MCA and other emergency services say Jules commands respect and inspires confidence, showing wisdom beyond their years after joining the Coastguard straight after education.

Tom Barnett, winner of the Community Champion Award

Maritime Operations Team Leader Tom was recognised by the judges for going above and beyond, both in his job and in his spare time.

A passionate supporter of water sports, he fundraises and organises events to promote greater awareness of water safety.

Colleagues say he has a 'staggeringly strong commitment to ensuring people at work and within his local community have fair access to life-changing opportunities'. 

Tom's award

He also regularly arranges team building meet ups within the MCA.

Outside of work, Tom has organised days for local children across the Gosport area, where they are able to try out water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and sailing. These children would not normally have had this opportunity.

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