Council officer honoured for 20 years of Coastguard service

A dedicated Isle of Wight Council officer has been formally recognised for two decades of voluntary service with HM Coastguard, marking a significant milestone in both his professional and community life.

James Potter, Trading Standards and community safety manager at the council, was presented with the prestigious Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by HM Coastguard, celebrating 20 years of commitment to coastal safety.

In addition, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief Coastguard was awarded to the Isle of Wight Council, acknowledging the organisation’s ongoing support that has enabled James to respond to incidents along the Island’s coastline.

James, who serves as station officer at Ventnor, has balanced his council responsibilities with his voluntary role, often responding to emergencies during evenings and weekends.

He credits his family, colleagues, and managers, past and present, for their understanding and flexibility, which have made his long service possible.

Reflecting on the milestone, James said: “When I joined HM Coastguard 20 years ago, this milestone seemed a long way off. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and my employer.

"The council’s flexibility has allowed me to respond to incidents when needed, and I’m grateful to all my colleagues for their understanding over the years. 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. I’m proud to play a part in keeping our coastline safe, and I hope my experience encourages others to consider volunteering in their communities.”

The Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Andrew Woodford, senior coastal operations officer, alongside James, to council representatives.

The gesture was made on behalf of HM Coastguard to thank the council for its support of voluntary work 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 and reflects the values we champion — service, integrity, and community.

"We are proud to support colleagues who give back to their communities, and this recognition highlights the strength of working together for the benefit of the Island.”