Lifeguard ISF Medal of Valor

Description

Medal of Valor: Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Max Malamed and Ocean Lifeguard
Ryan Aronson are recognized for the Medal of Honor.
On July 4, 2023, at the Venice Pier, OLS Malamed and OL Aronson performed a
dangerous night rescue. Working through a chaotic and crowded Holiday scene of over
2000 beach celebrants, OLS Malamed and OL Aronson performed an extremely difficult
Pier Jump into large surf, rescuing a fully clothed adult woman, experiencing a
psychiatric emergency. Because of the hazardous, complicated and arduous aspect of
this rescue, OLS Malamed and OL Aronson are recognized with the Medal of Valor.
Distinguished Service: Rescue Boat Captain Paramedic Brian Kari, Paramedic
Ocean Lifeguard Sean Kennedy and the Avalon City Fire Department are recognized
with the Distinguished Service Award.
On December 18, 2023, in Avalon, on Catalina Island, Paramedic Rescue Boat Captain
Brian Kari and Paramedic Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Sean Kennedy responded to a
young female giving birth. Upon arrival, the baby was cold, dark blue and still attached
to the umbilical cord. After aggressive and successful treatment by Captain Kari, OLS
Kennedy, and the Avalon City Fire Department, both the baby and mother were
stabilized enough to transport. With both patients, still in critical condition, two ALS
helicopters, Air Mercy and LA County Fire were required to safely move to a mainland
NICU.
Lifeguard Lifetime Achievement: Retired Lifeguard Beach Captain Jim (Jake)
Jacobson is recognized as this years Lifeguard Lifetime Achievement Honoree.
Captain Jacobson began his career in 1971 and retired in 2008, after 37 years of
dedicated service to Los Angeles County. Known as a “lifeguards’ lifeguard” Captain
Jacobson worked on every beach within Los Angeles County, from Malibu to San Pedro
and is known as one of the most inspirational lifeguard mentors the Department has
ever had. He was an All-American swimmer, a three-time National Champion in the surf
dory’s, 12-time Taplin Champion, Training Academy Instructor, LACOLA
Representative. Since retiring, he continues to advise, mentor and inspire both
lifeguards and his Malibu community.