Always swim near lifeguards.
Those words may sound familiar to anyone who has attended community meetings or events in La Jolla where Lt. Lonnie Stevens of the San Diego Division of Marine Safety spoke.
Ahead of his retirement on Nov. 1, the La Jolla City Council said farewell to Stephens and honored his 37-year career at the Oct. 10 City Council meeting.
Stevens was honored with cake, recognition and multiple standing ovations during the meeting, along with San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland and Fire Chief Robert Logan.
Stevens, who joined the lifeguard service in 1987 at the age of 17, joked that he had “no idea what I was doing” at first, but stuck with the job for 12 years before taking a sabbatical. Ta. He returned in 2005 and called the time since then “an incredible journey.”
The San Diego native said he spent much of his youth surfing at recreation centers and local beaches. “It kept me off the street,” he said.
“This (life) didn’t just happen because of my actions,” he added. “I had a lot of mentors and a loving mom and dad, and even though I was trying my best, I had my struggles.”
Stevens served on a rescue team that regularly patrolled La Jolla’s beaches and served as a mentor to young lifeguards. Eventually, he was promoted as the first black sergeant and first maritime safety captain in the lifeguard division.
San Diego Fire Chief Robert Logan, Lifeguard Chief James Gartland, and Lt. Lonnie Stevens attended a ceremony held by the La Jolla City Council on October 10th to honor Stevens ahead of his retirement. Praise. (Ashley Mackin Solomon)
Every day, Stevens said, So I learned something about loving this job and giving it your all. ”
“I’m so excited to be here to celebrate Ronnie,” Gartland said. “I could talk about Ronnie for eight hours.”
“You don’t have to worry about La Jolla… (under Coach Stevens),” Gartland said. “This is a very technical place, with cliffs, reefs, big water, sea lions, etc. … (Stevens) spins all these plates with grace and style and empathy. …In his place No.”
“He’s a great friend,” Gartland added. “I worked for Ronnie for a while and one of my proudest moments was promoting him to Marine Safety Captain.”
Mr. Gartland said Stevens was a “trailblazer” with a “heart of gold and utmost honesty.” “I look to him and count on him because he has done a great job spearheading our mental health efforts.
“This guy’s DNA is a true waterman, a true lifeguard.”
Stevens received a certificate from city officials thanking him for his work and a portion of the Windansea Surf Shack.
Stevens’ replacement has not yet been announced. ♦
