A volunteer from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay has paid the ultimate price while serving our community and has died on duty.
Vale John Gallimore, who suffered a medical episode while on duty as a Radio Operator at the unit yesterday afternoon.
Despite the very best efforts of a fellow volunteer and NSW Ambulance paramedics, Mr Gallimore was unable to be saved.
A member since January 2010, Mr Gallimore was a skilled and experienced volunteer, holding the senior qualifications of Coxswain and Watch Officer. He was also the unit’s Membership Officer.
Flags at all Marine Rescue NSW premises are today flying at half-mast.
Commissioner Stacey Tannos extended his condolences to Mr Gallimore’s partner and family members on behalf of Marine Rescue NSW.
“Our thoughts are today with John’s family, friends and colleagues at Marine Rescue Jervis Bay,” he said.
“This is a sad day for all of us at Marine Rescue NSW. John’s death is a loss for us and for our community, especially those who enjoy boating on the South Coast.
“John’s commitment to our mission of saving lives on the water was unwavering, both as a skipper rescuing those in trouble on Jervis Bay and its surrounding waterways and a Radio Operator watching over boaters for their safe return to shore, as he was doing at the time of his passing.
“John was a valued and much-loved member of his unit, whose contribution, leadership and abilities will be missed.
“He had gained our senior qualifications as a Coxswain and Watch Officer and on top of his operational duties, he also took on additional responsibilities as his unit’s Membership Officer, caring for his fellow volunteers.
“But above all of that, he was a loving partner and father.
“The dedication of our volunteers to our community and our organisation is never taken for granted but today I again thank each of our members for their service and fortitude and John’s family for sharing him with us all.”
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