At the end of January a presentation was held at the Newhaven Coastal Operations Base to honour members of the Newhaven, Shoreham and Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue Teams.
Some of those recognised and celebrated at the event have been serving HM Coastguard for more than 20 years.
Karl Davenport, pictured above, and Peter Leonard of the Newhaven Coastguard were presented with 20 years of service and good conduct medals.
Both joined in 2002 and have been the backbone of this team throughout.
Also presented with the 20-years service and good conduct medal was Andy Hall, recently retired from Shoreham Coastguard.
Andy also received a valedictory certificate thanking him for his service.
Valedictory certificates were given to Pete Wojciechowski, 25 years of service at Birling Gap, Andrew Easton, 11 years at Newhaven, and Barry Johnson, 11 years at Newhaven, who have all since left the Coastguard.
Awards were presented by Divisional Commander Mike Bill.
Senior Coastal Operations Officer Graham Easton, who opened proceedings, paid tribute to both the Coastguard volunteers and their supportive loved ones.
He said: “It was great to see people honour the contribution of not only these Coastguard Rescue Officers but their families and partners.
“They support them in this vital role for HM Coastguard and Search and Rescue along with those on the teams currently.
“This was a wonderful event that allowed us to come together and pay thanks to our dedicated and irreplaceable volunteers. With thanks to the Coastguard Association for donation towards our refreshments.”
