Association President Shawn Parker

Greetings,

There have been a number of significant events since our last communication. First, we have experienced a number of losses to our Lifeguard family. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Keaton King and the passing of his wife of 58 years Colleen, Roger Patterson, whose mother Alice passed, Alan Powder, whose mother Edith passed and Kathy Coulter who lost her sister Terry. Our deepest sympathies go out to our Lifeguard brothers, sisters, family and friends during this difficult time.

The Long Beach Lifeguard Association in a collaborative effort with Long Beach Fire Department Command Staff was successful in securing funding for Rescue Boat 3, avoiding (4) lay-offs and (2) demotions of permanent personnel for the 2010 budget year. Unfortunately in the process of saving Rescue Boat 3 we still are tasked with a “modified rescue boat service” to meet cost savings. The modification closes Rescue Boats 4 and 5 for the 2010 Summer season which eliminates (5) seasonal deckhand positions and (1) provisional Sergeant position for an approximately $40,000 savings. This obviously will have a drastic effect on public safety as well as expose the Rescue Boat Operator classification. The new schedule has (2) Boat Operators working together on Rescue Boat 3 (5) days a week. A modified rescue boat service was negotiated late in the budget process and was supported by City Management and City Council, even though the Lifeguard Association offered alternatives to meet our budget goals The Association has provided solid data to Chief Wawrzynski and Deputy Chief Reeb which details how the Department can meet its budget goals without modifying our schedules or service delivery. We will continue to work with the LBFD Command Staff and City Council to staff Rescue Boats 4 and 5 for Summer 2010. There are alternative budget savings that do not require sacrificing public safety and the board is confident we will be successful in gaining managements support for the staffing of Rescue Bots 4 and 5.

As always the Long Beach Lifeguards will continue to remain diligent and perform at the highest levels to keep the public we serve safe. It is more important than ever that we stay ever vigilant, even as we are asked to do more with less. All of our efforts need to be focused on this goal to support the Association’s efforts in saving Rescue Boats 4 and 5.

Chief Dave Ellis will be retiring at the end of the year (see “Fire Chief’s Letter” on the home page). Chief Ellis has provided the Fire Department with strong leadership over the last 6 years and consistently supported the mission and personnel of Marine Safety. The strength and vision of Chief Ellis will be missed.

Chief Paul Wawrzynski has decided to retire after thirty six years of service to the Long Beach Lifeguards (see “The Chief’s Letter” on the home page). Paul’s dedication to the career and profession of Lifeguarding has had a major impact on Lifeguarding in Long Beach. Many of us are fortunate to have worked our entire careers with and for Paul. We have benefited from the passion Paul brought to the job and his untiring leadership he provided. The Long Beach Lifeguard Association wishes Paul and his family well in the next chapter of his life, he will be greatly missed.

The Fire Department is again facing a transitional period and the Long beach Lifeguard Association looks forward to assisting management to make the transition a smooth, productive and effective process. Chief Wawrzynski has assured the Association

he will, before his retirement, have worked with the Command Staff to develop a transitional plan for the Lifeguard Chief position. This will include assigning a Marine Safety Captain as “acting” Lifeguard Chief until a new Fire Chief is appointed and a Lifeguard Chief can be promoted from the Marine Safety ranks.

All organizations are challenged during times of transition and financial instability and the LBLGA is no different. What makes us different, is our resolve and stead fastness to the cause of public safety, to which we are all called.

The LBLGA Board of Directors is grateful for all of your support. We look forward to serving you in 2010. Lets remember how blessed we are as Long Beach Lifeguards during this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Shawn Parker

President, LBLGA