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, leadership, and unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea since joining the RNLI in 1982.
A Lifetime of Service and Dedication
Roger’s record is remarkable:
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 Newhaven stations.
Poignantly, Roger’s final day at Brighton 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 Saltdean Lido, attended by past and present lifeboat crews, Roger reflected:
Forty-two years, one month and 21 days is hard to sum up. The boats have changed, but the dedication of the crews remains the same.
He urged today’s RNLI crews to “respect the sea” and celebrated the lifelong friendships made through his service.
A Champion 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 Pride, highlighting his commitment to modernising the service while staying true to its core mission.
Roger also represented the RNLI at its bicentenary celebration at Westminster Abbey in 2024 and was awarded an MBE in 2022 by HRH The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
Tributes Pour In
RNLI Head of Region Ryan Hall praised Roger’s lasting legacy:
“Roger truly embodies the RNLI’s values. His leadership has shaped our stations and culture. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Although stepping down from Brighton, Roger will continue to serve at Newhaven RNLI until the end of 2025.
Today’s tribute 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.
