Thames Rockets Crew Honoured for Bravery at U.S. Embassy in London

Published by Thames Rockets 5 hours ago

 

Last week, two heroic members of the Thames Rockets team were honoured at a commendation ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London. This special recognition was awarded in appreciation of their bravery during a rescue mission on the River Thames in May.

During the formal event, Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove personally presented certificates to Skipper Simon Dias and Guide Mark Pusey, acknowledging their quick thinking and dedication while onboard Rocket One, the Thames Rockets' high-speed sightseeing boat.

Celebrating Heroism at the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms

The American Embassy in Nine Elms is the largest U.S. embassy in Western Europe and is an architectural landmark. Surrounded by tranquil gardens, the 65-metre-tall, 12-storey glass building features a distinctive ETFE-coated facade, also used in the UK's Eden Project bio-domes. Designed by architecture firm Kieran Timberlake, the building reflects themes of transparency, sustainability, and innovation. Solar panels and light-optimised glazing help reduce glare and regulate solar heat, making it a modern icon of eco-friendly design in London.

A Morning of Recognition and Gratitude

The ceremony began with light refreshments, followed by a series of awards acknowledging individuals for long-standing service, acts of bravery, and innovative contributions to safety training. Thames Rockets were honoured early in the ceremony, greeted with applause from friends and family as they took the stage.

Simon and Mark each received their certificates individually, before returning to the audience to listen to the powerful and inspiring stories of others being recognised that day.

Honouring Our Heroes: Simon and Mark

The day was a celebration of gratitude for those who put others first. As the event concluded, guests enjoyed a classic American-style lunch featuring doughnuts, sandwiches, coffee, and tea adding a warm, community-focused end to the ceremony.

We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Simon and Mark for their incredible bravery and commitment to safety. Their exceptional training and fast response played a crucial role in a life-saving effort on the River Thames. We are proud to have such dedicated and courageous individuals representing Thames Rockets.

 

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