Coastguard volunteers give so much to help those in need on the sea. The annual Coastguard Awards give us the opportunity to recognise some of the amazing contributions made by volunteers around our Region. For me personally, this opportunity to acknowledge excellence within our organisation is a real highlight of the year – particularly the chance to get out around the Region and share these successes with the recipients’ Units.
This year’s award recipients are (as always) truly remarkable examples of what makes Coastguard great: our Regional Volunteer of the Year – Mr Jeff Cramp from Coastguard Hokianga– was acknowledged for his dedication, professionalism and leadership. Jeff was also the Skipper of Hokianga Rescue along with crew John Pattinson and Rhys Dempster, who were recognised for the performance of the year when they were involved in a rescue in difficult and trying circumstances off the Hokianga Coast. It is a real privilege to recognise these efforts, and those of the other award recipients for 2010. These are just examples of the many people throughout our organisation that demonstrate the skill, commitment and dedication of being a Coastguard volunteer.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support and commitment to Coastguard. We have some exciting but testing challenges ahead of us, and it means the world to our volunteers to know you’re behind them, supporting them in their lifesaving work. We couldn’t do it without you.
Safe Boating
Joe Davis, President
Coastguard Northern Region Inc