KEVIN Ratcliff joined the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service more than 15 years ago.
And on Friday, the pilot said goodbye to the operation he joined as a casual in 2002.
“The time has literally flown by,” he said yesterday.
Ratcliff signed up after a 25-year career in the Royal Navy as an air engineer and pilot.
“It has been good to be part of an exciting transition in recent times but also to have a long list of interesting, memorable and challenging experiences to show for my whole time with the service,” he said.
Chief executive Richard Jones said Ratcliff would be greatly missed.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have had a pilot such a Kevin as part of our helicopter family. He honestly is one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet and he has a massive heart. Kevin has always been so passionate about being there for our community and I cannot thank him enough for the years he has spent saving lives,” Mr Jones said.
“On behalf of our staff, the board, volunteers, those he has assisted and the community, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you.”
