On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during the presentation portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting, Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell honored the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Lifeguard Division for their recent accomplishments at the biennial Wieland Shield Lifeguard Competition. Additionally, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn honored Fire Captain (Captain) Sheila Kelliher-Berkoh on her recent retirement and Fire Fighter Specialist (FFS) John Pfau as the 2025 Perpetual Fire Prevention Award of Excellence honoree.
In recognition of the recent achievements of the LACoFD Lifeguard Division, Supervisor Mitchell celebrated lifeguards for having taken home the coveted Wieland Shield Award this year. Every two years, lifeguards from Los Angeles County and Victoria, Australia, compete in a series of competitions that promote cultural exchanges and help disseminate varying lifesaving knowledge and skills amongst the two groups. Held at Hermosa Beach this year, the LACoFD Lifeguard Division took home the coveted Wieland Shield Award.
Presentations by Supervisor Hahn celebrated the recent retirement of Captain Kelliher-Berkoh, recognizing her work as the Department’s first female Public Information Officer. With a fire service career spanning more than 25 years, Captain Kelliher-Berkoh worked in numerous fire stations across Los Angeles County, served as a founding member of the Women’s Fire League, and was instrumental in facilitating the Girls’ Fire Camp and Women’s Fire Prep Academy programs.
FFS John Pfau was also recognized by Supervisor Hahn for receiving the 2025 Perpetual Fire Prevention Award of Excellence on September 9, 2025, for his dedication and commitment to fire prevention and fire service activities. Beginning his career with the Department in 2016, FFS Pfau has worked in various positions, including as a firefighter and firefighter paramedic. He now works under the Fire Prevention Division’s Community Risk Reduction Bureau in the Santa Clarita region. Since his entry into the Fire Prevention Division in 2021, FFS Pfau has played a pivotal role as the Energy Storage System Coordinator, developing training curriculum, and serving as a lead instructor for large-scale commercial projects.
Congratulations to all honorees, and we are grateful to Supervisors Mitchell and Hahn for the recognitions.
