Island Cadet honoured for his work. isleofman.com Local News

The head of the Combined Cadet Force in the Island has been honoured for his work.

Wing Commander Pheric Thrussell, who runs the joint unit between King William’s College and Castle Rushen High School, officially received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Isle of Man Cadet Forces during a ceremony at Government House.

The investiture, made by Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, was attended by family, friends, cadets and their leaders.

Wing Commander Thrussell joined the Air Training Corps as a civilian instructor in 1977 and assumed command of 440 (1st Manx) Squadron in 1982.

He took the ATC from a small group of one adult and 10 cadets to become one of the biggest squadrons in the ATC, with ovr 100 cadets and 18 staff spread across the Island.

For more than 20 years he has also been a vocational qualification officer helping many to achieve formal qualifications.

The citation described a man whose ‘exceptional achievements’ had ‘inspired and nurtured and developed two generations of air cadets’.

College Principal Joss Buchanan said: “Pheric Thrussell has dedicated much of his life to the service of young people through the ATC and CCF on the Island and this honour is richly deserved.

“We are proud to work with him. His contribution to the contingent and the development of working with the young people is invaluable.”