Sheila Lucey came to Nantucket from Woods Hole in May of 2002 on orders from Woods Hole's Coast Guard Station, where she was the Officer In Charge of Aids to the Navigation Team. Her new role: Senior Chief Boatswains' Mate of USCG Station Brant Point.
Over five years later, Lucey has now been retired from the Coast Guard and has made a decision to remain a part of the Nantucket Island community. She is now the Assistant Harbormaster next to another one of our Plum 98, Harbormaster Dave Fronzuto.
"Anytime people have called and asked for help, whether it was in the Coast Guard or Marine Department, we've been there to help them," said Lucey.
Although her official retirement starts the beginning of September, Lucey's entered the civilian life on the Island and is getting used to her new life every day. "The transition from Coast Guard life to civilian life has taken a little bit of time," she said, "I'm still getting adjusted."
"Nantucket is a beautiful place," said Lucey, "I like the people, the activities, the fishing, the boating, and the marine environment in general."
As the first female surfman in the USCG, Lucey has accomplished much during her run in the Coast Guard. She was also the first female commander in her role at Woods Hole before coming to the Island. She became familiar with Nantucket's waters after tending buoys in Nantucket Sound.
Even though her time at Brant Point Station has ended, she still keeps in close contact with her former crew. Her new job in the Marine Department is right up Lucey's alley, and keeps her where she loves to be: out on the water assisting other boaters. "I love the new job, I couldn't be happier." she said, "The people at the Marine Department have treated me great and it's just been awesome."
"I've tried to make a positive impact with people being safe on the water: boaters, mariners, commercial fishermen and recreators. We try to give them the best environment we can and make it a safe place," Lucey said.
Stay tuned to Plum for more on our Plum 98, highlighting the giving members of our Island community.
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