Denis Brophy MBE
Walmer RNLI’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy has been recognised in King Charles III’s first New Year Honours List with an MBE for Services to Maritime Safety.
Denis began his service, as a shore helper as they were known then, in 1967. During his time at the station he has held the roles of D Class crew and helm, emergency mechanic, second coxswain and coxswain of the Rother Class lifeboat Hampshire Rose until the boat was withdrawn from service in 1990, Atlantic senior helm, Deputy Launch Authority and now Lifeboat Operations Manager, a post he has held since 2001.
During his years of service Walmer lifeboat has been involved in 1,257, aided 1,429 people and saved 313 lives.
Speaking after hearing about the award Denis said, ‘As you can image this is a great shock and very unexpected. I am both very moved, humbled and surprised that the RNLI has considered me worthy for such an honour. All I have ever done is to try and do my best for Walmer lifeboat and the Institution. To see the station thrive and everyone develop in their roles has been reward in itself for me. However, I am extremely grateful to the people who put me forward to be considered for this award and those who put together the evidence for the citation. It is a true honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Walmer Lifeboat Station both past and present.’
In a message to crew after the announcement he thanked everyone at Walmer in their many, varied roles, and the station donors.
He stated that their work was pivotal to the success of the station and that he could not carry out his role without each and every one of them. ‘As a station we have overcome many changes and challenges together with immense professionalism, enthusiasm, determination, courage and good humour and you will never really know just how proud I am of you all. I am truly grateful to all of you.’