The County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD) Lifeguard Division recognized Lifeguard Division team members and retirees at the annual Lifeguard Medal of Valor Ceremony.
Held at the King Harbor Yacht Club in the City of Redondo Beach on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, this ceremonial event celebrated honorees for their extraordinary acts of bravery and outstanding service with the presentation of the prestigious Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, Lifeguard Services Chief Fernando Boiteux, Fourth District County Supervisor Janice Hahn, along with fellow dignitaries, families and friends, gathered to recognize this year’s three honorees of the Medal of Valor award:
● Section Chief Olivier O’Connell
● Ocean Lifeguard Specialists (OLS) Hogan Inscore and Sam O’Hare
On April 5, 2026, Chief O’Connell, while off-duty, noticed smoke in a nearby residential building in Long Beach. Chief O’Connell bravely entered the home and proceeded to rescue two individuals before the Long Beach Fire Department arrived to extinguish the fire and treat the victims. For his heroic response while off-duty, Chief O’Connell is recognized with the Lifeguard Medal of Valor Award.
On the evening of December 7, 2025, OLS Inscore and OLS O’Hare were attending a wedding at a private residence in San Pedro when a balcony collapsed. Despite the scene still being unstable and dark, OLSs Inscore and O’Hare both managed to rescue and assess four individuals in critical conditions, all of whom were extracted and transported to a local hospital. For their heroic response, OLS Inscore and OLS O’Hare are recognized with the Lifeguard Medal of Valor Award.
The Department also recognized Ocean Lifeguard Sarah Foley with the Distinguished Service Award for her rapid response during an emergency on Santa Monica beach on August 30, 2025, that ultimately helped save a life.
Retired Senior Rescue Boat Paramedic Captain John Stonier was also recognized during the ceremony and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 40 years of dedicated and heroic service to the LACoFD.
To read more about the outstanding rescues highlighted at the 2026 Lifeguard Medal of Valor Ceremony, visit Lifeguard Medal of Valor Awards.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
