On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD) Lifeguard Division recognized six extraordinary individuals during the 2024 Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony held at the King Harbor Yacht Club in the City of Redondo Beach.
The ceremonial dinner officially kicked-off the 2024 International Surf Festival and, also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the LACoFD Junior Lifeguard Program.
Annually, active, and retired Lifeguard Division personnel are honored with the Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
During the ceremony, LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone and County of Los Angeles Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell were joined by local city dignitaries, Department personnel, retirees, family, and friends to celebrate the following award recipients.
The prestigious Medal of Valor was presented to Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Max Malamed, and Ocean Lifeguard Ryan Aronson, who displayed exceptional bravery and skill by performing a difficult and dangerous pier jump into large surf to rescue a distressed patient experiencing a psychiatric crisis. The heroic actions of Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Malamed and Ocean Lifeguard Aronson highlight their unwavering dedication to the call of duty and underscore their selfless acts, quick thinking, and life-saving skills involved in this arduous rescue.
This year’s Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Paramedic Rescue Boat Captain Brian Kari, Paramedic Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Sean Kennedy, and members of the Avalon City Fire Department, who, collaboratively, sprang into action when a young mother faced life-threatening complications while giving birth on Catalina Island. The team calmly and swiftly stabilized mother and child and coordinated an airlift to safely transport both to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the mainland.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Retired Lifeguard Captain Jim “Jake” Jacobson for his remarkable 37-year career with the Lifeguard Division, from 1971 until retirement in 2008. Lifeguard Captain Jacobson’s reputation and career rightfully positioned him as a true living legend as his portfolio of accomplishments include being an All-American swimmer, a four-time surf dory National Champion, a nine-time Taplin Champion, a well-respected Training Academy Instructor, and a dedicated LACOLA representative for many years – all of which highlights his exemplary service, dedication, and leadership.
The LACoFD congratulates each of the 2024 Lifeguard Medal of Valor honorees!
