Steve Dunnett – whose son Liam currently works for the RNLI as a Fleet Operational Support Lead – said: “Volunteering with the RNLI has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past years dropping everything at the sound of the pager to serve our community and save lives at sea has been an experience I will never forget.”
He went on: “I am incredibly grateful for the camaraderie and the support of the crew – whilst I am also looking forward to finally enjoying more time with my wife Gill and my own family and nine grandchildren but I will miss the adrenaline and the shared purpose that brought us all together in the boathouse.”
Steve added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported, mentored and stood alongside me throughout my time at the lifeboat station. I am proud to have played a small part in the charity’s lifesaving mission. I wish you all fair winds, following seas, and safe returns.”
Former Coxswain and now a Deputy Launch Authority at the Ferry Road lifeboat station, Robbie Maiden said: “Steve has been both a great friend and a trusted crewmember alongside me on many shouts over the years and, like many of the long serving volunteer crewmembers, has been a valuable mentor to many of the younger crew who have joined us. It’s been rewarding to see Steve’s son Craig and Liam volunteer with us over the years – especially Liam who now works for the charity. I’m sure Steve will enjoy more time with his family and, no doubt, will have many tales to tell his grandchildren about his many adventures on the lifeboats over the years.’
Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Pounder, added: “Both myself and Steve became volunteers about the same time and have been on many memorable shouts together over the years. I would like to thank Steve for his service to the charity and wish him well for the future.”
