CAPTAIN Mark Duffy was a regular visitor to Newry and Mourne, both through coastguard service and taking part in community events.
A Dundalk native, he and his helicopter crew often carried out rescue operations in the area, including the dramatic search for three Newry teenagers who went missing after climbing the Omeath Road quarry last year.
The father-of-two also visited Newry to take part in community fun days, allowing the public to view the rescue helicopter and the work they carried out.
In a Facebook post, PSNI officers from Newry and Mourne paid tribute to Captain Duffy and the crew, describing them as "true heroes".
"Mark Duffy was a gentleman," the post said.
"I met him on several occasions, my thoughts are with his family, the families of his lost colleagues and the entire Irish Coastguard.
"He and his colleagues were not only on call for rescues but for the odd community event.
"Rescue 116, under Mark's command, came to Mourne Mountain Adventure in 2015. The crew engaged with the kids, the leaders and organisers.
"I often met Mark when 116 landed in Newry with a casualty heading to Daisy Hill and was always greeted with a wave."
