Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association Trust Fund

Denise Hearst

It is with much sadness that we inform you that Denise Hearst passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021. Surrounded by her family, she peacefully lost her 14-year battle with cancer.  Denise is survived by her husband, son, daughter and three granddaughters.  Denise became a County Lifeguard in 1978 and worked mainly in Santa Monica for 10 years when she retired.

Passing of Pete Stange

Retired L. A. City Lifeguard Pete Stange passed away on October 5, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Pete is the older brother of Mike Stange. Mike is also a retired L. A Co. Lifeguard. Pete played water polo in the 1951 Pan American Games and in the Helsinki Olympics.

Passing of Greg Noll

One of the first and arguably one of the greatest big-wave riders, Noll was much more than a surfer. He was also an entrepreneur who helped transform the sport with his Greg Noll surfboards, which were among the first to be built from balsa wood, a substance that made them more maneuverable and light enough for most people to use.

Claudia Ettelson

Ocean Lifeguard Claudia Ettelson, wife of Ocean Lifeguard Jack Ettelson passed away on July 1, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. Claudia's career lasted 30-years. Working towers primarily in the Southern Section she also spent 10-years working the WATER Program. She was an age group and high school swim coach before retiring to Big Bear Lake.

Jerry Hankins

Jeremiah “Jerry” Noble Hankins passed away on June 7, 2021, in his hometown of Manhattan Beach, California.  

Jerry was a quiet, laidback, gentleman who loved the outdoors and surfed almost every morning. 

Jerry lived in Manhattan Beach his entire life. He attended kindergarten at Grandview, elementary school at American Martyrs, and high school at Loyola. During high school, he began working as a recurrent lifeguard for LA County. After completing his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, his love of the ocean led him to build a 34-foot catamaran. And over the course of several years, he and his wife sailed down the coast to Manzanillo, Mexico and back. 

In the next chapter of his life, Jerry worked as a Systems Analyst, but his true passion was building and sailing. He designed and built a 22-foot dory, which he sailed with his wife on numerous bays and lakes in California, Arizona, and Baja. 

Jerry loved wide open spaces. So, next he constructed a cabin in the Anza-Borrego Desert which was surrounded by ocotillo and cholla and offered scenic views of Mt. Laguna. 

Jerry had a profound sense of curiosity and believed that true stories are far more inspiring than fiction. He was a voracious reader, absorbing all the historical and nonfiction books he could find. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia Ware, his son, Jeremiah Hankins, and his two sisters, Mary Ann Kinser and Elizabeth White Hankins. 

Passing of Tom Estlow

Thomas “Tom” Earl Estlow died after a long-term illness on Sunday, May 30, 2021, at

home, surrounded by his family. He was 79. Tom began his lifeguard career in 1960 at Sun Valley pool where he met his wife of 57 years, Karmen. He joined the Los Angeles City Lifeguards in 1963, working in towers and headquarters, served on the dive team and ultimately became LA County Rescue Boat Captain of Baywatch Del Rey, before retiring in 1999.

Steve Troeger

Over the course of a 31-year lifeguard career that included rising to Baywatch captain both at the Isthmus and Avalon, Troeger performed thousands of rescues. Avalon is one of the most challenging posts in lifeguarding because it attracts so many amateur and professional divers and boat operators and because lifeguards there serve as paramedics to the entire community.

Steve Troeger at the Redondo Beach Breakwater Circa 1981

Tim Morrissey

Timothy passed away after a gallant battle with cancer on March 15, 2021 in Palm Beach. Palm Beach became his new home where he lived with his remarkable and beautiful wife, noted appellate attorney Edna Caurso. They were a wonderful couple who cared deeply for each other and traveled the world to Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Africa, Caribbean, and South America.

Passing of Brian Neitz

Brian Nietz passed away January 11, 2020 from cancer.  Brian was still an active lifeguard at the time of his death.

Passing of Bob Burnside

A legendary Los Angeles County lifeguard was laid to rest last weekend. Bob Burnside, who died in 2019 at the age of 87, was memorialized outside the Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters where he spent decades serving the people of Malibu and our many visitors.

Passing of John McFarlane

From the time John McFarlane became a Los Angeles County lifeguard in 1951, until a decade after his retirement 32 years later, whenever he had a vacation or a day off, he surfed

To friends who told him his vacations sounded like a busman’s holiday, he said, “That’s because you don’t surf.”

John and Buzzy Trent at Wiamaha

John at Torrance Station

2019 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

A reunion luncheon honoring retired L. A. County Lifeguards was held at the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge. This was the first luncheon that the new bronze created by retired lifeguard Norton Wisdom, entitled "Vigilance", was presented.

Passing of Don Rosenthal

The Lifeguard alumni family passes along our condolences to the family of Don "Rosie" Rosenthal. Rosie passed away this afternoon.  Starting his career with the Los Angeles CITY Lifeguards and retired as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard Lieutenant. After retirement he moved to Washington State with his beloved wife Anna. Anna predeceased him a few months ago. Rosie died peacefully with his son Victor and daughter-law Liza at his side.  Rosie was an excellent swimmer and swam at Santa Monica College for John Joseph where he became and All-American swimmer before going on to swim at UCLA where is was also an All -American.

Personally I have known Rosie as a water polo and swimming referee when I started swimming and playing water polo in High School. After I became a lifeguard we worked many shifts together. We will miss his laughter and stories. 

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Nick Steers

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Passing of Don Rohrer

Don Rohrer, former USLA President (1998-2003) and Retired Chief Lifeguard of Los Angeles County, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, after a short-term illness at the age of 82. Chief Rohrer was a founding member of USLA in 1964 and retired in 1996 after 44 years of dedicated and faithful service to the residents of Los Angeles County. Chief Rohrer was instrumental in transitioning Ocean Lifeguards into the Fire Department in 1994.

Dick Evans

Richard (Dick) W. Evans, 93, of Manhattan Beach, CA., passed away at home on February 14, 2019. Richard was born on November 24, 1925 in Los Angeles , CA. to Ralph and Margaret Evans. He graduated from South Pasadena/San Marino High School in 1943 and then joined the Army/Airforce

Passing of Mike Doyle

Doyle was born in 1941 and grew up in Lawndale. He caught his first wave at the Manhattan Beach Pier in 1954, at age 13, after watching South Bay icons such as Dale Velzy and Greg Noll ride waves there. He worked as an apprentice to those same surfers building balsa boards in 1959.

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From the Daily Breeze

Passing of Don Rosskopf

Donald Robert Rosskopf
Enoch - Donald Robert Rosskopf
Born: March 16, 1932 -Glendale, CA
 

Died: July 27, 2018 peacefully in his home, at the age of 86, from age related illnesses including cancer and stroke - but you couldn't tell him that - a fighter till the end. Don loved life and cherished every moment he had on this earth.

Passing of Bud Hustler

Bud passed away on March 19, 2018, at the age of 91 years old. Bud was born in Los Angeles to Marjorie and Clarence G. Hustler Sr. He graduated from Washington High School, and then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during WW ll. Following the war, Bud attended U.S.C. where he earned both a B.S degree and M.S degree in Education. While a student, he played for the U.S.C water polo team and remained a passionate, lifelong Trojan!! In 1946, at the age of 18, Bud became a Los Angeles County Lifeguard. He worked ardently as a beach lifeguard for over 49 years. He also worked for the Los 

Angeles Unified School District for 42 years, teaching and serving as an administrator, in addition to officiating basketball and football games. Bud and his wife, Barbara, raised four children in Palos Verdes, Terizza (James) Miller, Larry Hustler, Kathleen (Charles) Delio, and Leigh Ann Giddings. Even with a busy schedule, Bud always found time to golf and follow his favorite sports teams. An avid adventurer, he traveled to over 109 countries, always taking the time to send postcards and bring back souvenirs from his many travels. Later on, Bud married Raquel Lemmi, eventually settling in Oceanside, where he continued to swim, golf and travel. He will be forever missed, and we will always carry his memory in our hearts. In addition to his children, grandchildren and wife, his sister, Betty Richardson, and her extended family survive Bud. A private memorial will be held in his honor, and his ashes will be scattered from the Baywatch boat into the ocean that he so loved.

Passing of Bill Kendall

It is with sorrow that we announce the recent passing of former L.A. City Ocean Lifeguard, Bill Kendall (1948 - 1952).  Born August 23, 1929.  Died May 7, 2018 at the age of 88.

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2018 L. A. County Fire Department Badge Ceremony

2018 Los Angeles County Fire Department Promotional Badge Ceremony was held at the newly opened Fire Department Museum. Several of the lifeguards that were promoted were family members of both current and retired L. A. County Lifeguards 

2018 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

The 2018 Los Angeles County Lifeguard Reunion and Luncheon was held at the Redondo Beach Elks Club in July. The Luncheon is the current event where the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association presents the bronze's to retired employees. This year Norton Wisdom unveiled "Vigilance", the new bronze to honor female retirees. 

Tracy Lizotte Retires

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Captain Tracy Lizotte retires after 39 years on the sand. A retirement get together for Tracy was held April 7, 2018 at The Deck in Hermosa Beach. LACOLA wishes Tracy all the best as he moves on to the next phase in his life.

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A Message From Tracy to the Troops

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Fellow Lifeguards,

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It is with great pride and sadness that I say goodbye to you after 39 years of wearing the “red and whites” in the sand. We are all so fortunate to work in a place most people in LA or tourists from around the world only get to visit briefly. It is an awesome job and responsibility to stay vigilant day after day. Now I leave that to you to raise the bar for the next generation.

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I was taught early on that if each one of us just does one thing to better our service that we will continue to maintain the reputation of being the best Lifeguard Service in the world. I challenge each one of you to leave our service better than you found it. You have a unique skill set – the ability to swim. Only one in ten of those bathers you’re watching on the beach know how to swim! So keep up your skills. It’s too easy to skip a day, which turns into a week or a month, then next thing you know, it’s Spring! We get paid to get wet, not to watch people struggle.

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Our careers go by faster than you think. Promoted yesterday, 2-3-4 years on, then racing up the list, ready for 24’s and so on. Appreciate every day that you get to wear the “reds”.

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Finally, stay fit – get in the ocean daily and do the right thing whether you think someone is watching or not.

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It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you these past four decades. See you on the sand under an umbrella holding and breaking all your rules.

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Yours in Lifesaving, Captain Tracy Lizotte 

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Passing of John Howe

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Santa Monica and LA County lifeguard John Howe. John, passed away on February 3, 2017 at the age of 93.

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John started his lifeguard career in 1942 for the City of Santa Monica.  He was the Superintendent of Santa Monica Beaches and Harbors, at the time of the Los Angeles Co./Santa Monica lifeguard merger in 1974.  He worked all sections of the county beaches as a Captain before his retirement in 1985.

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He was also a Naval Aviator and a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of Captain.  He served in the Navy Reserve until he retired from the military in 1978.

John is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Beanie), adult children Pamela, John Jr. and Susan and grandchildren Anthia and John.    

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Passing of Ernie Polte

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Legendary Hornet Aquatics coach Ernie Polte passed away Sept. 28, 2017 at his home in San Clemente. Ernie was 90-years old and had been fighting liver cancer for several months. A Fullerton JC graduate, Polte coached and taught at Fullerton from 1962 to 1990. Ernie was one of the first watermen to swim, play water polo, scuba dive, compete in lifeguard competitions, and open water swims right up to his 90th birthday. Services for Ernie will be announced at a later date.

Mike Bright

Mike passed away on September 22nd, 2017 at the age of 79. Mike was a Los Angeles County Lifeguard beginning in the 1950’s. Mike worked in the Southern Section and grew up in Hermosa Beach. Mike was an original member of the Surfing Seals club and traveled to Hawaii in 1955 with Sonny Vardeman, Bing Copeland, Steve Voorhees and Rick Stoner. In 1956, Mike began a five year stint as one of the premier competitive paddlers of his time winning races in Hawaii and the original Catalina to Manhattan Beach paddling event. Mike also traveled to Australia to compete in the Australian Olympic International Surf Championship, the predecessor to the Wieland Shield exchange that takes place every two years with the state of Victoria, Australia surf lifesavers.

Passing of Mike Bright

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Passing of Steve Voorhees
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Steve Voorhees Passed away Friday, September 15, Steve had been in declining health for the past few years. Steve was the Lifeguard Section Chief in the Southern Section for a major part of his lifeguarding career. Steve was also a former LACOLA President and served on the team that negotiated the first LACOLA labor contract with the County. Steve was a pioneer surfer who challenged the Hawaii North Shore with the likes of Bing Copeland, Rick Stoner, Sonny Vardeman and Mike Bright.

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Passing of Jim Westerman

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Jim Westerman passed away in his sleep, Monday, August 14, 2017, at the age of 72. Jim was both a Los Angeles County Lifeguard, and a retired Los Angeles County Fire Fighter Specialist.  His last Fire assignment before retiring was as a Camp Crew Foreman at Camp 13 on Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu.

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Gabe Campos Retires

2017 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

2017 was another great luncheon in Redondo Beach. Pictured are Chris Matulich, Wendy Paskin and Kiff Kimber, 3 pioneering female lifeguards. More photo's below.

Link to:

A Book By: Richard Mark

Passing of Richard Mark

Richard Mark passed away April 29, at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica after a long and valiant battle against cancer.  He is survived by his wife, Charmaine, and his children, Matthew, Loriann, and Ryan.  His funeral service was at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church on May 13, 2017.  Richard was a recurrent lifeguard for many years, and he wrote the multi-volume chronicle of Los Angeles County Lifeguarding, “Our Lifeguard Family.

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Passing of Jeff Solomon

It is with sadness that i tender the news of the passing of long time Santa Monica Lifeguard, L. A. County Lifeguard and L. A. County Fire Department Paramedic Jeff Solomon. Jeff passed away Friday, February 3, 2017 at St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica. A Memorial Service and Flag Ceremony was held at the Santa Monica Lifeguard Headquarters on Feb. 25, 2017. The cause of death was acute cardiac failure.

Passing of Mike Moses

Mike Moses passed away after a 6-year battle with cancer on December 6, 2016. The Los Angeles County Lifeguard and retired Santa Barbara City Fire Captain is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Katie and Shauna, and three grandchildren. 

Passing of Bill O'Sullivan

I regret to inform you that retired Chief Bill O'Sullivan passed away on November 7, 2016.

Passing of Paul Gudmundsson

I am saddened to write that Ocean Lifeguard Paul Gudmundsson passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at the age of 62.

Paul faithfully served the beach-going public for 44 years as a lifeguard for the Los Angeles County beaches.  In addition to the many rescues and first aids he performed through the years, he was an accomplished competitor, and appears on the Taplin Bell four times; in 1974, 1976, and 1980 as a paddler, and in 1977 as a rower.

Paul is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marilyn, as well as his son Shaun, daughter Alexandra, son-in-law Gavin Horlick, and granddaughter Genevieve.  Shaun, Alexandra, and Gavin are all Ocean Lifeguards for Los Angeles County.

Growing up in Manhattan Beach, Paul enthusiastically participated in the Junior Lifeguard Program, and as a lifeguard was able to share his enthusiasm and experience as he became a Junior Lifeguard Instructor. 

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2016 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

The 2016 Alumni Luncheon was once again be held at the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge. The Elks Lodge is a beautiful location to host Retired Lifeguards from Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City and the City of Santa Monica. It was a wonderful time catching up with old friends and co-workers.

Passing of Bill Powers

Bill Powers, 69, of Paradise, CA, a retired Ocean Lifeguard Specialist for the Los Angeles County Fire Department died this August. Bill was remembered Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at the Will Rogers Lifeguard Headquarters inPacific Palisades. A reception followed at the WRHQ, hosted by Bill's family.

Don and Julie Knabe Dinner

in 2016 the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association hosted a dinner to honor Don and Julie Knabe. The dinner was held at the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. Long a friend of the L. A. County Lifeguards, Don, was honored for his years of service to Los Angeles County and especially his continuous support of safe, clean beaches.

Passing of L. A. City Lifeguard Jack Daniels

It is with Great Sadness that we announce the passing of Los Angeles City Lifeguard Jack Daniels.  Jack died of complications from throat cancer on May 14, 2016

Passing of Craig Mattox

I am saddened to inform you that retired Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Craig Mattox passed away unexpectedly May 11, 2016 as the result of a diving accident.

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Craig, who was 59 years old, retired from the Department in 2008, and leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

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A memorial and tribute to Craig's life was held June 12, 2016 at Paradise Cove, Malibu.  A paddle out was followed by a memorial service at Paradise Cove Recreation Hall.

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Passing of Jerry Cunningham

Services for retired Department of Beaches Director Jerry Cunningham were held May 7. 2016 at Torrance Beach.  A reception followed the event at the home of Joe Murphy.

Merrigan / McDonald Retirement Dinner

A retirement dinner was held April 23, 2016 for Rescue Boat Captain Jim McDonald and Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Brian Merrigan.  The function was held at the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club.

2015 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

Two South Bay lifeguarding legends, Gary Crum and Wally Millican showed up for the 2016 L. A. County Lifeguard Reunion in Redondo Beach.

Passing of Ron Crawford

Ron Crawford, a Manhattan Beach resident of 53 years, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, coach, educator, neighbor and friend to many. Ron was born December 6, 1939 in Brea, California. He was raised in Downey by his parents George and Alice Crawford.

Passing of George Eddie Nelson

Ed Nelson passed away last week after doing what he loved most, swimming the annual Dwight Crum 2-mile Pier-to-Pier Swim. He was surrounded by his family. Ed is survived by his two children, Erik Nelson and Jennifer Shenbaum; 6 grandchildren and his two sisters, Joyce Ralph and Linda Blethen. A Redondo Beach native, Ed was an LA County Lifeguard for 55 years and a teacher at Adams Middle School for 37 years.

Angus Alexander Retirement Dinner

In 2014 Angus Alexander's retirement dinner was held at the L. A. County Youth Center at Dockweiler Beach. Angus became an expert in Tsunami's and was key in setting up the Los Angeles County Tsunami Early Warning System. He spent the majority of his career in the Central Section.

Passing of Brian Kutil

Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Brian Kutil passed away the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2014. Brian was participating in his recheck swim when he suffered a cardiac event. The Lifeguard recheck team and Lifeguard Paramedics were immediately there to assist but efforts pool side and at the hospital were unsuccessful.

Zuma Beach Lifeguard Reunion

Glenn Dexter hosted a Zuma Beach Lifeguard Reunion at his home in 2014. All lifeguards that had worked at lease one season at Zuma were invited. Glenn and his wife Pam's home in on the beach in Malibu and it provided a perfect location for the event. Click the link below to see all the Photo's

Passing of Paul Matthies

May 17, 1921 - 
June 14, 2014

Paul Matthies, known to most as "Pablo" passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the age of 93. Paul was a resident of Hermosa Beach for nearly all of his life and was proud to call it home. 
 

2014 L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Luncheon

In 2014 the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge once again hosted the L. A. County Lifeguard Alumni Reunion and Luncheon.

Unveiling of the Meistrell Statue 2014

Lifeguards Bill and Bob Meistrell were Remembered at the unveiling of the Meistrell Brothers Statue which is located at the entrance of the Redondo Beach Salt Water Lagoon. The Meistrell brothers started Body Glove International and are icons not only in the South Bay, but world wide.

Passing of Bob Williams

Lifeguard Chief Bob Williams passed away in 2014. Bob and his brother, Bud, grew up in San Pedro and spent their younger days at Cabrillo Beach.  The Williams family close to Myron Cox's family and it was taken for granted that they would become lifeguards.  Bob retired from the lifeguard service in 1987.

Passing of Dick Fitzgerald 2003

Dick was born on April 22, 1924 in Santa Monica. He was the first Director of the County Department of Beaches and lobbied tenaciously for coastal access. He was prominent in the Redondo Beach community and active in dozens of community organizations including; Redondo Beach and Torrance Chambers of Commerce, the governing board of the former South Bay Hospital; founder of the International Surf Festival and Redondo Beach Round Table; founder of the Redondo Beach Sister City Program with Ensenada and LaPaz, one of the founders of the South Bay Athletic Club, and past president of the California Junior Chamber of Commerce. Dick was a magnanimous force within the community and touched the lives of many. He was extremely giving and enriched the lives of his family and friends.

Dick Fitzgerald on Zuma Beach in the 1960's

Passing of Bud Stevenson

Bud Stevenson rose to the position of Chief Lifeguard in the very earliest days of the county Lifeguards. He served in the merchant marines during World War II and became Lifeguard Captain in 1948 and Lifeguard Chief in 1957. From his early years as a Lifeguard, he was constantly troubled by the placement of the Lifeguard Division under the County Parks and Recreation Dept. He envisioned that all beach lifeguards should be administered by similar safety service agencies, not recreational administrators. His vision of a separate Department of Beaches, retirement and salary parity with the LA County Sheriffs and Fire Departments became an obsession with him.

Bud Stevenson on the deck of the tanker F .T. Hillman in WWII - The bell to his right was later salvaged and now rests on the Judge Taplin Trophy

Chief Bud Stevenson late in his Career

Myron Cox

Chief Lifeguard Myron Cox served 44 years from 1927 to 1972. He was appointed Chief Lifeguard for Los Angeles City in 1931. He served as Chief Lifeguard until his mandatory retirement at age 70 in 1972. In a conversation that I had with him in 1968, I asked about his years as Chief Lifeguard. He said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing.” It was a true gift to know such a man as our Chief Lifeguard Myron Cox.

Myron Cox at the Venice Beach Lifeguard Headquarters

Myron Cox consoling the mother of two drowning victims - The photo was the L.A. Times photo of the year