2009 Hall of Fame Recap

2009 Long Beach Lifeguard Hall of Fame     

Honoring Gary Horne

August 16, 2009

The evening of our annual event of the LB Lifeguard Hall of Fame was pleasant and rewarding as we honored our members for their courage and lifetime commitment to Lifeguarding. The evening started off with a social hour for people to reunite, visit and recount all those numerous rescues made in days past.

Dirk Crawford performed his usual superb job as Master of ceremonies for the event.

The evening was supported by sponsorship from Jacobson Pilot Service.

This year the LB Lifeguard scholarship was awarded to Molica Anderson. Her plans are to attend Palmer West Chiropractic School in San Jose, CA. Good Luck and congratulations Molica.

Unit Citations were awarded to:

Rescue Boat 2 & Fire Boat 15

Responding to 1 mile south of Point Fermin for an individual in full arrest. The victim was swimming the San Pedro Channel from Catalina Island to the mainland when he became unconscious. (for the complete citation story, click here)

RB 2

Rescue Boat Operator: Alan Miki

Marine Safety Officer: Tyler Wawrzynski

Fire Boat 15

Captain: David Holden

Engineer: Raymond Gonzalez

Fire Boat Operator: John Knight

Firefigher: Richard Bierman

Rescue Boat 1, Rescue Boat 2, Rescue Boat 4 and Rescue Boat 5

On July 4th, 2008, at approximately 2120 hours, RB 1 received a report of an overturned vessel with 12 people in the water. Rescue Boats 3, 4 and 5 responded in addition to assist. (for the complete citation story, click here)

RB 1

Rescue Boat Operator: David Tedesco

Captain: Matt Gruneisen

RB 3

Rescue Boat Operator: James Reinheimer

Lifeguard: Jay Gerardi

RB4

Rescue Boat Operator: Don Wetteland

Lifeguard: Tristan Balsille

RB5

Rescue Boat Operator: Dirk Crawford

Lifeguard: Wayne Rhea

Rescue Boat 2

Long Beach Lifeguards received a mayday call over VHF channel 16 reporting the vessel American Pride taking on water. American Pride is a 130 –foot schooner and was 10 miles out to sea. With severe wind and waves ranging from 10 –15 feet, planks along the ship hull had begun to pull apart, allowing water to flood in. (for the complete citation story, click here)

Rescue Boat 2

Rescue Boat Operator: Jason Hudson

Marine Safety Officer: Michelle Ferrill

A Meritorious award was presented to Danielle Casillan for her outstanding rescue at Marina Park. (complete story comming soon.)

An Award of Appreciation was given to Bud Lorbeer for stepping up and helping with and donating materials for repair to the Lifeguard Museum.

And Awards of Recognition were presented to Walt Halverson and Roger Patterson for all that they do for the BBQ’s at the museum with the Alumni Association. Also recognized, Jeff Gillott for his leadership of the LG competition team.

Tyler Anderson was awarded The Willie Harris Lifeguard of the Year, For his dedication to Lifeguarding and Lifeguard Competition. The Long Beach Lifeguard Association appreciates the effort he has put forth to represent his city and his department and we recognize the commitment necessary to become a champion. Tyler has been one of the best all around Long Beach Lifeguard competitors and paddlers of 2008.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor former Long Beach Lifeguards who have brought recognition and honor to the Long Beach Lifeguards and the City of Long Beach. Inductees into the Long Beach Lifeguard Hall of Fame must have had outstanding achievements or contributions to the lifeguard service and/or the community to be considered for induction. In addition, the inductee cannot be considered until he/she has been retired or left the service, in good standing for a period of 5 years.

Having met all this criteria and beyond, this years Hall of Fame inductee was GARY HORNE. For Gary’s story please click here.

Submitted by: Michelle Ferrill