The County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD) Lifeguard Division recognized Lifeguard Division team members, public safety and Los Angeles County partners, and retirees at the annual Lifeguard Medal of Valor Ceremony. for their extraordinary acts of bravery and outstanding service.
Held at the King Harbor Yacht Club in the City of Redondo Beach on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 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.
This year, LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone was joined by Second District County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, dignitaries, families, and friends to recognize Medal of Valor honoree, LACoFD Rescue Boat Captain Stephan Sleeis. On November 3, 2024, LACoFD Baywatch Rescue Boats responded to an overturned 26-foot sailboat with five patients clinging to its sides. Captain Sleeis carried out a technical dive recovery off the Redondo breakwater to rescue a sixth patient trapped below the vessel. LACoFD Rescue Boat Captains Tim Gair and Jeff Martinez, along with Ocean Lifeguard Specialists Jedd Monroe, Eric Liberty, and Matt Schafer, rescued the five patients clinging to the side of the vessel, earning each of them the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
The Department also recognized additional Lifeguard Division team members, along with the Redondo Beach Fire Harbor Patrol and Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors personnel, with Distinguished Service Awards and presented retired Lifeguard Beach Captain Jim Richards with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
To read more about the outstanding rescues highlighted at the 2025 Lifeguard Medal of Valor Ceremony,
visit Lifeguard Medal of Valor Awards.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
