The presentation was made by Tom Mansell, RNLI divisional operations manager.
John joined as a lifeboat crew member and served for fouryears on numerous shouts before being retired as the crew age limit then was 45.
He then went on extensive training in Wales to become a qualified tractor driver for lifeboat launches in all weather and sea conditions.
On one occasion he was crew on a D Class lifeboat called out to a young lad adrift in a dinghy off Portnadler beach. The Coastguard and helicopter were also deployed.
A member of the public, in his enthusiasm as a spectator, stumbled down the side of the cliffs and ended up being rescued by the helicopter. The boy was safely recovered.
John said he is going nowhere and will remain ‘chief meddler’ for as long as he can.