Bangor RNLI Volunteer John Bell Wins 999 Hero Award

Bangor resident John Bell has been named Northern Ireland's 999 Hero at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2026. Business Eye Magazine reported that the award ceremony took place at the Culloden Hotel, where Bell was recognized for more than 30 years of saving lives. [1]

Bell has served as a Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteer in Bangor since 1995. According to Business Eye Magazine, he was commended at the gala for willingly risking his own safety to rescue others while serving as a long-standing crew member. [1]

In his professional life, Bell works as a solicitor alongside his volunteer emergency response duties. Business Eye Magazine reported that the 999 Hero award, sponsored by Four Star Pizza, honors emergency service members who go beyond the call of duty. [1]

Community recognition for local rescues continues across the United Kingdom. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, Hull taxi driver Mark Wray recently won a regional Acorn Taxi Hero Award after pulling a stranded woman from a river and returning her safely to her family. [3]