Tragic PSNI and sea cadets officer David Philpot '˜one of life's good guys'

Tributes have been paid to the inspirational sea cadets leader who died suddenly last week.
David Philpot was a lieutenant in the Sea Cadets Corp and a part-time PSNI officerDavid Philpot was a lieutenant in the Sea Cadets Corp and a part-time PSNI officer
David Philpot was a lieutenant in the Sea Cadets Corp and a part-time PSNI officer

David Philpot, who was a part-time officer with the PSNI as well as volunteering with the sea cadets for over two decades, was found dead in Portrush police station on Friday.

A lieutenant within the Sea Cadets Corps (SCC) and commanding officer with Portrush Sea Cadets, Mr Philpot was described as “the glue that held us all together”.

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Sgt Crean, posting on Portrush Sea Cadets Facebook page, said: “Being part of the SCC for pretty much 27 years his advice, friendship and guidance touched so many people. Not only in NI but everywhere he went.

“He always played down the part he had to play in the unit and the Cadets experience. But truth be told he was the glue that kept us all together.

“We will do him proud in everything we do.”

In 2013 Lt Philpot received the Cadet Forces Medal and Bar, awarded to recognise 18 years of dedicated and efficient voluntary service in the UK Cadet Force.

Next month he was due to receive another accolade from the Duke of Wessex.

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Northern Area Sea Cadets paid tribute to the dedicated member saying: “A true gentleman, David had been a volunteer for over 22 years and his dedication to the Sea Cadets had recently been recognised through a Torch Trust Trophy Award that had been planned for March and to be presented by the Earl of Wessex.

“This award, that is rarely given to Sea Cadet volunteers, marked the particular effort that David made for his cadets in relation to sports and adventurous pursuits.

“David was someone for whom the phrase ‘going that extra mile’ was, if anything, an understatement. He is a sad loss.”

The group added: “Our condolences to David’s loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the cadets and volunteers at Portrush, and our hope that they will be inspired by David’s memory than drown in his loss. David would not have wanted it any other way.”

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Posting on Facebook, one person said of Mr Philpot: “Really was one of life’s good guys, who just wanted to see the kids of Portrush achieve their full potential, most of who did.”

PSNI Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman said on Friday: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of our colleague. They have asked for privacy during this difficult time.”

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