Century of service for Weymouth Coastguards

 

Five longstanding coastguards from Weymouth have celebrated more than 100 years of voluntary service on the south coast.

A group of Coastguard Rescue Officers have received long service medals from HM Coastguard, in recognition of their longstanding service and commitment over the past 30 years. 

HM Coastguard Divisional Commander James Instance presented awards to the group during a special dedication ceremony held in Weymouth on Saturday 2 November. 

During citations for the award, Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) Mark Fagg, Don Barnes and Richard Legg were recognised for their emergency service work over the years, including during Storm Babet, the 2012 Olympics and The Dart Race. 

The volunteers have spent hours responding to incidents across the south coast, from high profile missing person searches to clifftop rescues and storm response, also resulting in coastguard awards for meritorious service. 

Wyke Station Officer Mark Fagg, who joined the service in 1993, said: “We’ve seen a lot of change over the years, including kit and procedural improvements. Long service is very important to us, as our team has a combined service of more than 230 years. We’ve gained a lot of insight and experience over that time!

“The local search and rescue community in our corner of Dorset is very close, and we have great relationships with our flank stations, local RNLI lifeboats and the HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. 

“I was immensely proud to be stood in front of all of those mentioned, and those I’ve served alongside over the years, who’ve all done amazing things during their service. Above all, these occasions aren’t just about us receiving the award, they’re a great excuse to get everyone together and celebrate!”

Wyke Station Officer Mark Fagg with Coastal Operations Area Commander Tom Wright
Tom Wright with Mark Fagg

Coastal Operations Area Commander Tom Wright was also among those receiving awards at the ceremony. Tom joined the coastguard as a CRO in 2004 after following his father, a volunteer of more than 40 years, into the service. 

“These awards recognise so much, and I am keen to mention that they are as much for the families of those who serve, as they are the coastguards we serve alongside. Without the support of families, friends and loved ones; from childcare to missed events and occasions, we couldn’t do what we do. 

He said: “For me, these awards are particularly poignant, given that I’ve served alongside officers receiving longstanding service awards this evening - it’s incredibly humbling. 

"Being volunteers, our coastguards come from just about every profession, and the skills and experiences that they bring to the service are fundamental to our work.”

Speaking about innovations made within the service, Tom added: “I joined the coastguard full time in 2008 and even over those 16 years, we’ve seen huge innovation and change.

“Technology has had a hugely positive impact, and we’ve moved from quite traditional methods, to pioneering new water rescue resources, skills and training.”

Read more about joining HM Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer

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