David A. Perry Award Recipients

Ed “Pop” Proctor

Born in Scotland in 1881.
Received a degree in engineering in 1899.
Traveled the world - as a stevedore, gold miner, steamboat engineer, and rum runner.
Learned to surf late in life (some say at 60)
During World War II, with all the able-bodied men fighting overseas, he was recruited to serve as a lifeguard at Doheny State Beach and agreed when the Park Ranger agreed to allow him to live in his van at Doheny until the end of his employment.
Served as the lifeguard at Doheny from 1944 to 46.
Finagled his way to reside at Doheny until he could no longer drive
Took in dozens of young kids who were in foster care, and taught them to surf, dive, and how to be responsible citizens.
Inspiration for all state park employees.
Died - just shy of his 100th birthday

Timm Cook

1966 Lifeguard Training with an All-Star Class (Maier, Marquette, Stoufer, Farrens)
All-American water polo goalie at Long Beach State
Great waterman: Swimming, Surfing, Rowing Dorys
1966 - 1973 Lifeguard Seasonal San Diego Coast
1974 - 1985 Lifeguard Permanent / Lifeguard Supervisor I
Member of the Dive Team, Cliff Rescue Team
Helped develop the IRB and RWC courses at San Diego Coast
Administrative Guru Extraordinaire
Passed away far too soon (skin cancer) in 1985

Bruce Kranz

1967 Began his career as an Ocean Lifeguard at the Pendleton Coast (San Clemente)
6 years as a Seasonal LG I and 2
2 years as a Perm (Pendleton Coast)
1973 – 1977 LG Sup I at Huntington
1977 – 1979 Aquatic Specialist Sacramento
1979 – 1981 Chief Ranger III at Trinidad Area
1981 – 1983 Chief Ranger IV at Los Lagos Area (Lake Perris)
1984 – 1986 Area Manager III at San Joaquin Valley Area
1986 – 1988 District Superintendent IV at American River District
1988 – 1989 Manager of General Plans and Policy Development at Sacramento
1989 – 2000 District Superintendent IV/CEA at American River District
2000 Retired from State Service
He dedicated 46 years to public service and safety

John Mulvana

1971 Rookie Training at Huntington
1971 - 1976 LG Seasonal 1 and 2 San Clemente SB
1973 - 1974 EMT on an ambulance in Kern County
1974 Founder of the San Clemente State Lifeguard Association
- San Clemente State Lifeguard MVP, 1974-75
1976 Attended law school
1977 Passed the California Bar Exam, sworn in as a BAR member
1974 - 1980 First Aid/CPR instructor
- Founder of the California Assn. of Lifeguards (Lifeguard Union) in 1982
  and served as its first President.
- President of the California State Lifeguard Assn. in 1982.
- One of the most influential lifeguards of the 1970’s and early 80’s
  Retired in 1995

Gary Arnold

1974 Attended Easter Lifeguard Training at Huntington
1974 Stationed at San Diego Coast
- His 3rd day at Moonlight, LJ Richard said a statement that changed his life and locked him into Lifeguarding. “Gary, in almost any other job you will ever have, you can screw up and somebody can fix it. In this job, if you screw up, nobody can fix it.”
One of the youngest guards to be promoted to LG Seasonal II
Earned the nickname “Ace Arnold.”
The 1st LG II at Blacks Beach
- Cliff Rescue Team
- Started the IRB Program
- Jack of all trades - working pre- and post-season
Denny Stoufer and Lou Marquette had a huge impact on his life
1985 Retired from Lifeguarding

Brit Horn

Born into an Ocean Lifeguarding Surf Family
Father Kit Horn was a legendary big wave pioneer and LG
Became an Ocean Lifeguard in 1976
Spent 8 years on the San Diego Coast as LG Seasonal I and 2
1983 - 1997 Permanent at Angeles District
1997 Transferred to Sonoma Coast where his big wave skills were instrumental in saving many lives. Among dozens of heroic rescues, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for a paddelboard rescue in huge surf. Undoubtedly, several other of his rescues could have been nominated for the MOV.
2009 Retired from State Service
Since 2012, he has been sailing around the world with his wife (also a legendary Lifeguard) on their catamaran Halcyon

Don Straub

1978 Attended Easter week LG Academy 1978
1978 Certified EMT and Certified Nurses Aid
- Spent 11 years as a Seasonal 1 and 2 at San Diego Coast
- IRB Boat operator, Cliff Rescue
- LG of the Year 1988
1990 Member of the original team of LGs sent to work the perious Sonoma Coast LG Seasonal 2 - and lead guard for their boat program
1991 Along with Dave Carter, awarded Medal of Valor for the rescue of the “La Ola” in horrendous seas. An account of their rescue (as well as several other stories featuring Don) are documented in the book “Stories from Sea Level.”
Also: A bona fide cowboy, breaking horses on the King Ranch in Texas
- Fought for the International Kick Boxing World title in 1980
- Sailed around the world as First Mate aboard the 60’ Maranoa
- One of the most charismatic and storied lifeguards of his time

Jamie Schnick

1979 Rookie Academy at Huntington
1979 – 1990 Lifeguard Seasonal I and 2 at San Diego Coast North
1991 – 2019 Part-Time LG Seasonal 2 San Diego
1993 Completed the Catalina Island to Mainland Swim in 8 hours 45 minutes Missed the record by 17 minutes
2015 – 2019 Junior Lifeguard Instructor Torrey Pines
2019 Retired from State Service
Major competitor for the California State Parks Surf Racing Team

Tom Barnett

1982 Hired at age 29 (one of the older rookies)
- Gifted Classical / Jazz / Rock guitar player
- His impeccable work ethic was a hallmark of his career
- He was one of the great State Lifeguards
- Tom won the recheck swims at Huntington and San Clemente EIGHT times, the last one being when he was well into his 50’s
1998 Became an LA County Lifeguard, continued PT with the State
- Deck hand for both agencies
- Distinguished career as a competitor in local, regional and national competitions.
- The way he lived his life was an inspiration to all of us.
2014 Passed away suddenly, leaving a void in the world of lifesaving.
- Tom’s life was a testament to the power of self-belief, hard work and vision. He took life and his work seriously, and continued to play music, work full-time for the County and remained connected with the State Lifeguards until the end of his life.
2025 Tom’s youngest son Nolan became a State LG working Huntington.

Erik Landry

1974 - 1980 LA County Junior Lifeguard at Zuma
1985 Rookie - Huntington Easter Training
1985 - 1990 LG Seasonal I + 2 / Dispatcher at Malibu
1990 SPPO Academy
1990 - 1991 Perm at Bolsa / Huntington
1992 - 2015 SPPO Monterey
- Helped start the Aquatics Program
- EMS Instructor
- State Parks Dive Team
- Big Wave aficionado
1994 Helped start the first JG Program at Monterey
2015 Retired at 50

Darrell Klueber

1985 Rookie Academy
1985 – 1989 Lifeguard Seasonal I - San Diego Coast
1989 – 2008 Junior Lifeguard Instructor - Carlsbad
1991 LG Seasonal II - JGs and field Lifeguard
1989 2^nd place stock division Catalina Classic
1990 1^st place stock division Catalina Classic
1990 1^st place Team Championship 4-man Paddle Relay USLA Nationals, Santa Cruz
2008 Started the Torrey Pines JG Program
To date Darrell Klueber had taught several thousand JGs

Danielle Snyder

1987 – 1991 State Junior Guard at San Clemente
1993 Distinguished herself in the LG Training Academy
1993 - 1998 Lifeguard Seasonal I San Clemente
1998 - 2010 JG Program Director - expanded the program
1998 – Present Lifeguard Training Staff Instructor
2006 – Present California State Parks EMS Instructor
2012 Perm LG - One of only a few women who hold that role.
- Member of the Dive Team, Field Training Supervisor, POST Academy Instructor, LG Supervisor, Seasonal Academy Instructor
- In her tenure, she has trained well over a thousand JGs and LGs

Chuck Chase

1960 Recruited to be an Ocean Lifeguard by his friend, Mel Tubbs
1960 Lifeguard Seasonal I Huntington
1962 Permanent Lifeguard Huntington
1963 Lifeguard Supervisor I Silver Strand State Beach (both bay and ocean)
- Developed the Silver Strand operations significantly
1992 Retired after 33 years of service at the age of 55
Claim to fame – Chuck met all three wives while lifeguarding, the first on a rescue

Gary Farrens

1966 Became a State LG - Before the formal training academy
- Seasonal Lifeguard I / II Santa Cruz until 1984
1984 PI State Park Peace Officer – Santa Cruz
1988 Lifeguard Supervisor I – Limited Term then back to Lifeguard
1989 State Park Peace Officer Ranger – Santa Cruz
EMS Instructor
2009 Retired
2010 – 2015 State Park Peace Officer Ranger - Retired Annuitant
2015 Retired from State Service
In his career, Gary made many heroic rescues, many of which were performed in the off-season with little or no back-up in challenging conditions. He no doubt saved many lives in his illustrious career

Norm Chapman

1967 Began his career at Huntington (before formal Training)
1967 – 1979 Lifeguard Seasonal I and 2 Huntington
1979 – 1981 SPPO Lifeguard at Point Mugu Area in Malibu
1981 – 2006 Lifeguard Supervisor I for Malibu
2006 Retired
2007 – 2013 Retired Annuitant Lifeguard Seasonal II Malibu
Among his achielvements:
- State Park Dive Team
- Outstanding Peace Officer of the year by Camarillo Optimist Club
- Started the Junior Lifeguard Program at Leo Carrillo State Park
- Started the Secos Classic longboard surf contest at Leo Carrillo
- 1992 Angeles District Lifeguards awarded “Aquatic Program of the year”
- 27 Years District Defensive Tactics Instructor
- EMS Instructor
- Cliff and Rope Rescue Instructor
- IRB Inflatable Boat Operator and Instructor / PWC Operator and Instructor
Under his leadership, the program grew to 75 Seasonals, 4 Permanent Lifeguards

Bill Smith

1972 Rookie LG Academy - Huntington
1972 - 2010 Lifeguard Seasonal I and 2 at San Clemente
1980 Completed Chiropractic School while continuing to lifeguard
1983 Lifeguarded in New Zealand
1995 – 2000 Lifeguard in Maui while still guarding seasonally with the State
2000 – 2010 Lifeguard Seasonal II San Clemente
2010 Retired from State Service
Bill’s skills in all aspects of Lifeguarding have been recognized by every guard who has worked with him. He has been a formative mentor for hundreds of Lifeguards and continues to guard at the 29 Palms Marine Base

Jim Harmon

1974 Graduated from Easter Lifeguard Training at 17 years old
1974 to date Seasonal Lifeguard I and II Ventura
Had a rough Start - Lifeguard Supervisor Carl Maier kicked him out his first summer because his hair was too long. Returned in an hour - freshly groomed.
1983 - 1987 Attended Ventura College of Law
1988 Started his law career
- Continued to “get his days in” every year since
2010 Jim’s son passed training and worked 4 seasons
2019 Retired as an attorney, which allows him to work more days as a LG
White Mountain Coors and Bud Light competitor for many years
Ran the local association for many years, hosted the last CSLSA Board meeting
Still guarding after 52 years

Jim West

1973- 1975 Worked for the City of Newport Beach as a Seasonal Lifeguard
- Worked primarily at Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport Harbor
- Deckhand on the Orange County Harbor Patrol watercraft.
1979-2022 Worked as a State LG at Gaviota Area/Sector, Channel Coast District
- Mainstay in their boating program
- Dispatcher for both LG and Ranger communications.
- SAR functions with their IRB / PWC
- Response to countless motor vehicle accidents on Highway 101
- Jr. Lifeguard Instructor. Refugio Jr. Lifeguard Program
- Ocean Lifeguard for an impressive 50 years

Steve Hicks

1979 Trained via the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)
- Under the tutelage of Eric Emery
- Hicks spent his entire career working at Huntington and Bolsa Chica
1980 – 1984 Lifeguard Seasonal I
1982 Voted Most Inspirational Lifeguard
1983 and 1984 Voted Outstanding Lifeguard of the Year
1984 Surfwatch Deckhand
1985 – 1993 Lifeguard Seasonal II
During his seasonal off-seasons, Steven coached water polo and swimming
1994 Attended the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy
1994 – 1998 State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard
1998 – 2019 Lifeguard Supervisor I, Swift Water Rescue
2001 - 2003 Field Training Officer
2005 Created the “Hicks Program” for Lifeguard Training; Used until 2017
1998 – 2003 California State Lifeguard Association – Treasurer
- 16 years as a Group Leader
2019 Retired from State Service

Jim Baer

1975 CARLSBAD Junior Lifeguard
1979 Attended LG Training Academy at Huntington
1979 Rookie of the Year - San Diego Coast
1980-88 Seasonal Lifeguard 1 and 2
- Fall Season - in Puerto Escondido SURFING
- Winters - North Shore Oahu SURFING
1992 Became an RN - worked at UCSD trauma ICU
1996 Nurse Anesthesist
1996 - date Continued to guard part-time - mentoring younger guards
2018 Son Owen hired as LG at San Diego Coast
2025 47th season as State Lifeguard / Retiring from anesthesia career
- Jim plans to hang up his after 50 years

Rob Pelkey

1970 Decorated competitor with the San Clemente Junior Lifeguards
1984 Attended Lifeguard Training
1984 – 1998 Seasonal Lifeguard I and 2 at San Clemente, Doheny and San Onofre
1987 – 1998 Junior Lifeguard Instructor San Clemente
1998 – 2000 Lifeguard Seasonal LA County
2001 – 2006 Perm LA County; Rescue Boat Operator
2005 Became a LA County Paramedic
2007 – 2023 Rescue Boat Captain / Paramedic Catalina Island
2023 Retired
1990 Won 4 USLA National Open Championships
One of the most gifted, modest, and unassuming Lifeguards ever
It’s hard to overestimate the influence his presence had on State Lifeguarding
His career and demeanor have been an inspiration to many of us in the lifesaving profession

Michael Stephenson

1970 - 1983 Newport Beach Seasonal Lifeguard and Deck Hand
1983 - 1985 Permanent Lifeguard Newport Beach
1985 - 1986 State Parks Peace Officer - BVST Class Valedictorian.
1986 Rescue Boat Operator
1987 Sup 1 – Huntington
1988 - 2005 SPPO Ranger II – Russian River
1996 Medal of Valor Rescue at Goat Rock with Tim Murphy
2005 Retired from State Service
Supremely talented, well-respected, and even-keeled leader who succeeded at virtually everything he had put his hand to
He set up the infrastructure for the fledgling North Coast Lifeguard Program
Even as a Ranger, he carried his wetsuit, fins and rescue buoy in the trunk of his sedan
His overall contribution to Lifeguarding cannot be overstated

Ty Vollebregt

1988 Attended Weekend Lifeguard Training Academy
1988 - 1992 Lifeguard Seasonal I San Clemente
1992 - 2023 Junior Lifeguard Instructor
Substitute Teacher in the winter months teaching art to kids
2023 Retired as a veritable San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Legend
2024 Honored by the entire Junior Lifeguard Community
It is estimated that Vollebrecht taught, inspired, trained, and mentored over 10,000 kids
Often described as “The happiest human being on the planet”

Emily Hagan

1995 Attended Rookie School at Huntington at 17 y/o
1995 – 2004 Lifeguard Seasonal I and II Huntington
Influenced by legendary lifeguards: Mike Brousard, Steven Hicks, Al Fimlaid, Bill Babashoff, Keith Dixon, Ryan Gates, Jerry Merayo, Chris Egan, Ryan Manderscheid, Chris Halsted and Damien Walters
2005 – Present Lifeguard Seasonal I and II Doheny, San Clemente, and San Onofre
Made a memorable rescue on a man returned years later and thanked her for saving her life.
Dedicated and inspiring role model to all who have worked with her.
After 31 years of lifeguarding, Emily is still at it

Lj Richards

Lifeguard, Firefighter, and Surfing Icon (Bruce Brown films)
Born in Oceanside in 1939, LJ bonded with the ocean early
1951 Oceanside Junior Lifeguard at 12 years old
By 13 years old, LJ had become a skilled surfer
1958 Hired as a California State Park Lifeguard Seasonal I at 18 years old
1963 Joined the Encinitas Fire Department
1963 Won the US Nationals Surf Contest in Huntington Beach
1964 Participated in the first World Surfing Championship in Australia
1986 Retired from State Service after a 28-year lifeguard career
2006 Induction into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame
1991 International Surfing Hall of Fame
2024 Silver Surfing Award
First Family to have 3 generations of State Lifeguards. Two daughters, Kathy and Patty, and two grandchildren, Katlin and Duke.

Nick Sopha

1967 Rookie LG - Before the Training Academy began
- Worked San Clemente
- One of the most influential lifeguards and mentors there
- Became a Chirporacor - 1974
- Core EMR Instructor for Pendleton Coast for many years
1977 Perm at San Clemente in 1977
1981 – 1984 Lifeguard Supervisor 1 San Clemente
1984 Lifeguard Supervisor II at Huntington
1987 Demoted to PI Lifeguard to return to San Clemente
1994 Retired

Garry Harvey

1968 Attended the 1st State Lifeguard Training Academy
1968 - 1971 Seasonal I Huntington
1972 One of the first Lifeguard Peace Officers in State Parks
1972 - 1976 President - California State Lifeguard Association
1973 Rescue Boat Operator on Surfwatch I at Huntington
1979 Rescue Boat Operator for San Clemente, built Surfwatch III
2008 Built Surfwatch VII
Ran the San Clemente Rescue Boat program for 30 years
Ocean Lifeguard for 42 years
2010 Retired from State Service

Bob Dunker

1973 Graduated LF Training Academy at Huntington
1973 - 1974 LG at Stinson Beach
1974 - 1983 LG Seasonal I and II Santa Cruz
1984 - 1987 Seasonal 2 at Huntington / Bolsa / Crystal Cove
1987 - 1989 Ran the Manresa JG Program
1990 - 2014 Seasonal II Santa Cruz
2014 Retired - Left a legacy of excellence, teamwork and dedication.
- One of the great lifeguards and watermen of his generation
- Distinguished himself as one of the elite bodysurfers and
- free-divers on the west coast
- Inspiration and mentor to generations of lifeguards
- Currently lives in Baja California - still diving and enjoying the wonders of the ocean.

Greg White

1973 – 1974 Hired directly as a Perm at Lake Oroville
1974 Attended Modesto County Sheriff’s Peace Officer Academy
1974 – 1978 SPPO Lifeguard at Point Mugu
1975 Began the Cliff Rescue Program at Mugu
- Hired the first female Ocean Seasonal Lifeguard, Sally Tuttle
1978 – 2004 SPPO Lifeguard Gaviota (first permanent position)
1983 Started the first IRB Program
1994 Started the Junior Lifeguard Program at Refugio
- Greg was part of the Dive Team and started an underwater park
- Career EMS Instructor, Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor, Firearms Inspector, Total Quality Service Coach
2004 Retired from State Service

Tom Snyder

Learned to surf at Malibu in 1965
Became a Los Angeles City Lifeguard in 1969, worked at Venice and on the rescue boats.
In 1973, he won a national title as a doryman with his partner Randy Steigely.
Became a State Lifeguard at San Clemente in 1977.
Was President of the California State Lifeguard Assn., 1981
Vice-President of the California Assn. of Lifeguards - 1985-87.
Transferred to Leo Carrillo State Beach in 1996, where he worked until his retirement in 2022.
Throughout his career, Snyder mentored younger lifeguards in the art of lifeguarding.
He was an ocean lifeguard for 53 years.

Mike Tope

1978 Finished 1st in Lakes Training at Perris
Did 2 body recoveries during Lifeguard Training
1979 Finished 1st in Ocean Training
1980 - 1981 Lifeguard Seasonal I Huntington
- Surfwatch Deckhand
1981 Permanent Lifeguard at Lake Perris
1981 – 1986 Lifeguard Supervisor I and II at Huntington
1983 EMS Instructor
1987 - 1993 Aquatic Specialist
1993 – 1998 Visitor Service Chief Ranger 5 - Orange Coast District
1998 – 2005 District Superintendent, 5 Orange Coast District
2005 Retired from State Service
- Tope played a major role in returning Crystal Cove to the public
- Worked with Hickey, Maier, Peabody, and Brousard to get Lifeguards on the Sonoma Coast

Bud Brown

Bud was an elite swimmer with the Natadores - Recruited by Carl Drake
1980 Hired to work the Pendleton Coast - the first African American to work at San Clemente, Doheny, and San Onofre.
He was an endearing, funny, soulful, humble man and a phenomenal orator
He created the Youth Awareness Program – bringing inner city kids to the beach
Moved quickly through the ranks / roles
- Lifeguard Training Staff Instructor
- State Parks Peace Officer - Huntington
- Southern Service Center – member of the EEO commission
- California State Parks Interpretive Instructor
- “Take Pride in California” award - Runner up in the National Award
1990 Promoted to Lifeguard Supervisor I at Sonoma Coast - supervising 10 LGs in their fledgling program. There, he endured unimaginable stress (Cold Water, Perilous surf – Fatalities, along with the wrath from the public and other EMS Agencies

Carrie Johnson

Became an Ocean Lifeguard in 1984
1984 – 2000 Seasonal LG I and II at Ventura
1986 – 1989 Junior LG Instructor
1990 Took over the JG Program
1990 - 1995 Seasonal Representative on the California Aquatic Safety Inc. Board
Instrumental with the CASI Non-profit program for State Junior Lifeguard Programs.
1995 – 2000 Coordinated numerous Community Outreach Programs
1999 Awarded “Whale Tale” Grant from the Coastal Commission (1st ever)
2000 First LG reclassified as an Interpreter I PI
2003 Received Director’s Olmstead Award for Leadership and Vision
2018 Promoted to Interpreter II (PI)
Under Carrie’s leadership, over 25,000 children have gone through the Parks Programs.
A significant # of current State Guards (+/- 70%) have gone through the JG Program

Osh Mcnulty

1979 - 1986 New Jersey Lifeguard at Sandy Hook
1986 – 1987 Seasonal Lifeguard I at San Diego Coast North
1987 - 1990 SPPO Lifeguard (PI) Bolsa / Huntington night shifts
1990 - 1994 Lifeguard (PI) Sonoma Coast, one of the original 11 GUARDS
2005 Retired after serving 19 years on the Sonoma Coast
- Next longest tenure of the original 11 was 5 years (Straub)
Issued over 1,000 Fish and Game citations
Received the Fish and Game Director’s Award
No idea how many lifesaving rescues he made, said it was more about intensity
Rarely nominated his Lifeguards for the Medal of Valor, “It’s Your Job!”
Ironically, Osh was never awarded a Medal of Valor
When the LGs arrived, the Sonoma Coast had (on average) 1 drowning / 64 days
Their 2nd year there, they had zero.
Osh McNulty’s contributions to Aquatic Safety are unsurpassed

Dan Raducanu

Immigrant from Romania
US Marine - Honorably discharged
1989 Rookie Academy at Huntington
1989 - 1992 LG Seasonal I Huntington
- Deck Hand with Mel Tubbs and others
1996 - 1997 SPPO Academy
1997 - 1999 SPPO Ranger San Clemente
1999 - 2004 SPPO Ranger Topanga
Also taught 7th grade English
2004 - 2011 SPPO LG at Point Dume and Malibu
2011 - 2013 Training Officer at Camp San Luis Obispo
2013 - 2014 SPPO Lifeguard Supervisor I Oceano Dunes
2014 - 2017 SPPO Lifeguard Supervisor I Ventura
- Long-time Rookie LG Academy Instructor - Much loved
2017 Retired from State Service

Joe Stoffers

2004 Attended Huntington Lifeguard Training Academy
2004 – 2008 Lifeguard Seasonal I Monterey
Joe had a critical rescue at Seaside Beach that hooked him on lifeguarding
2008 – 2011 Lifeguard Seasonal II Monterey
2012 – 2017 SPPO Lifeguard Sonoma Coast, Salt Point
2017 – 2025 Starting the Lifeguard Program along the Mendocino Coast
- Recruited a small but talented group to guard the rough coastline
Nate Buck, “Joe’s positive attitude and support was instrumental in attracting Lifeguards – we knew he always had our back and trusted his aquatic skills emphatically.”
2021 Started the 1st JG Program utnilizing Tim Harvey; Program is thriving
2025 Currently - SPPO Lifeguard Supervisor I Monterey
His many rescues along the treacherous Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts have gone largely unnoticed, but those in the know are well aware of the monumental contribution Joe has made in saving lives.