A packed Amex Stadium was filled with emotion as fans paid tribute to Roger Cohen MBE, a true local hero whose 42-year service with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was celebrated during a halftime video tribute at today’s Brighton & Hove Albion match.
The moving short film, broadcast on the stadium's big screen, honoured Cohen’s extraordinary career, defined by his courage, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%%, and unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea since joining the RNLI in 1982.
A Lifetime of %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% and Dedication
Roger's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% is remarkable:
- 2,260 %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%%
- 248 %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% saved
Starting as a crew member and helm at Brighton RNLI, Roger later served at the Tower Lifeboat Station on the Thames — the busiest in the UK — before becoming lifeboat operations manager at both Brighton and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% stations.
Poignantly, Roger's final day at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% included one last lifeboat call-out, a fitting finale to his lifetime of service, even though the launch was later stood down.
Speaking at a special gathering on Friday at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% Lido, attended by past and present lifeboat crews, Roger reflected:
Forty-two %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%%, one month and 21 days is hard to sum up. The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% have changed, but the dedication of the crews remains the same.
He urged today's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% to "respect the sea" and celebrated the lifelong friendships made through his service.
A %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% for Progress and Inclusion
Under Roger's leadership, Brighton RNLI became the UK's first LGBT-accredited lifeboat station and was the first to officially participate in Brighton %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%%, highlighting his commitment to modernising the service while staying true to its core mission.
Roger also represented the RNLI at its bicentenary celebration at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% Abbey in 2024 and was awarded an MBE in 2022 by HRH The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
Tributes %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_14%% In
RNLI Head of Region Ryan Hall %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_15%% Roger's lasting legacy:
"Roger truly embodies the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_16%% values. His leadership has shaped our stations and culture. %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_17%% in his well-deserved retirement."
Although stepping down from Brighton, Roger will %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_18%% to serve at Newhaven RNLI until the end of 2025.
Today's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_19%% drew loud applause and cheers from Albion fans, many visibly moved by the story of one man's enduring dedication to saving lives and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
