This year marks Norman McBride’s 40th with the Island’s Civil Defence Corps, making him the organisation’s longest serving volunteer in the British Isles.
Norman qualified for the second bar to his Long Service Medal after 39 years’ service and will be presented with it at a ceremony later this year.
Aged 68, Norman joined the Civil Defence in February 1984 after hearing the Emergency Planning Officer at the time talking on the radio and calling out for volunteers.
He first got involved as he was simply looking for something to keep him busy after leaving the Army, but sparked a lifelong passion for serving and protecting his community.
Four decades later and he is still an integral part of the Island’s volunteer response team, trained in flood response, hill search and rescue, 4×4 driving, rest centre training and using various pieces of emergency and lifesaving equipment.
His most memorable training experience though was being winched from the Ben-my-Chree by an RAF Sea King Helicopter as part of an exercise for Blackpool emergency planning services.
Norman hasn’t just been an asset for the Isle of Man, he’s also joined national emergency volunteer contests and skills sharing schemes across the UK and with the Eire Civil Defence in Kilkenny.
He has assisted in some of the most significant Island events over the last 40 years including the ‘big snow’ of 2013, numerous missing people searches and five aircraft crashes.
On qualifying for his long-service bar, Norman said:
‘I’m very proud to receive recognition of my service. Volunteering has let me feel useful, and to give back to our Island community and be part of something bigger. I’ve also made some incredible memories and many good friends throughout the years.
‘I would absolutely encourage anyone to become a volunteer – the sense of accomplishment you get in supporting people in need is unbeatable.’
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, said:
‘What an incredible achievement. Norman has had a remarkable journey embracing the spirit of volunteering that keeps our community strong. Congratulations on 40 years of making a real impact.’
Civil Defence volunteers train on a Wednesday evening at Tromode and as well as responding to emergencies they support the community at events throughout the year. If you’re over 18 and looking to be part of multi-skilled team then get in touch on 331673.
Find out more about the Civil Defence Corps on their Facebook page.
