#rnli – A member of Howth RNLI was honoured at the RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards at the Barbican Centre in London last Thursday (22 May 2014).
Rupert Jeffares, the Lifeboat Operations Manager with Howth RNLI, was awarded a Bar to the Gold Badge. This is the second highest award that is made by the charity. Rupert has dedicated 50 years to serving the RNLI and saving lives at sea. He joined the lifeboat crew in Howth in the mid-sixties and later took on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager. In this volunteer role Rupert is in charge of authorising the launch of the lifeboat and the day-to-day station management.
Owen Medland, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager paid tribute to him, "Rupert Jeffares demonstrates the selflessness of the RNLI's volunteers ashore in support of our crews. He has given many years of continuous service in his role as Lifeboat Operations Manager, often forsaking family and work in support of Howth Lifeboat. It is such individuals that make the service world class and it is fantastic to see him acknowledged for his dedicated service."
"On behalf of everyone at Howth RNLI, I want to congratulate Rupert on his outstanding achievement. His award is richly deserved after years of tireless dedication to the lifeboat in Howth. This accolade demonstrates the high esteem in which Howth Lifeboat Station is held by the hierarchy of the RNLI", commented Russell Rafter, Chairman of Howth RNLI.
