By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Council officer, James Potter, has been formally recognised for 20 years of voluntary service with HM Coastguard, marking a major milestone in his professional and community life.
James, who is a trading standards and community safety manager at the council, was awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal by HM Coastguard. He also received a certificate of appreciation from the Chief Coastguard, recognising the council’s ongoing support that has enabled him to respond to emergencies along the Island’s coastline.
As station officer at Ventnor, James has balanced his council duties with his Coastguard role, often responding to incidents during evenings and weekends. He credits his family, colleagues, and managers for their flexibility and understanding over the years.
“When I joined HM Coastguard 20 years ago, this milestone seemed a long way off,” James said. “It’s a privilege to serve the Island community and work alongside such dedicated people. Every call-out is a reminder of how important teamwork is, both within the Coastguard and with our partners across the Island.”
The certificate of appreciation was presented by senior coastal operations officer, Andrew Woodford, to council representatives, thanking the authority for its support of voluntary service and multi-agency collaboration.
Michelle Love, the council’s service director for highways and community protection, said: “James’s dedication is a powerful example of civic responsibility. We’re proud to support colleagues who give back to their communities.”
James hopes his experience will inspire others to consider volunteering.
Isle of Wight Observer