December 27, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Flag Ceremony Held to Honor LA County Lifeguard Derek Traeger

September 6 held at the Venice Lifeguard station

By Dolores Quintana

On September 6, the Los Angeles County Fire Department held a flag ceremony to honor the life and career of Ocean Lifeguard Derek Traeger of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division who served the County of Los Angeles for six years. 

The ceremony was held at the Venice Lifeguard station, A23, where Traeger served much his time with the department. Traeger had last been assigned to the north portion of Santa Monica beach. 

After a presentation from uniformed officers of the LA Fire Department Honor Guard and a short prayer, Lifeguard Traeger was eulogized by the ranking member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He said, praising Traeger’s service, “it is in these small images taken far and wide in rapid bursts of the camera’s shutter, wherever it happened to land, that we see Derek Traeger. When I say that Derek lived with abandon, I say that he is the man his family raised and, in so far as it is possible for a man to abandon self for focus on others.” 

Six uniformed members of the LA County Fire Department lowered the station’s flag and reverently folded it while the speaker detailed the meaning of the flag folding ceremony. After a salute to the flag, it was presented to Traeger’s parents. After the moving presentation, a bagpipe player from the Los Angeles County Pipes and Drums played a rendition of Amazing Grace while three fire float boats sprayed ocean water into the air in tribute. Finally, a Lifeguard rescue vehicle sounded the vehicle siren one last time in tribute.

Derek Traeger died on August 14 in a motorcycle collision. In a statement, the Los Angeles Country Fire Department said, “OL Traeger understood better than most what it means to wear the red trunks. His passion for life, art, the ocean, and his lifeguard family was evident in every moment he lived.”

in News
<>Related Posts

California Makes 117 Arrests, Recovers $38K Under “Operation Holiday Watch”

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

The Enforcement Campaign Took Place Across Multiple California Communities In the final stretch of the holiday shopping season, California Governor...

Café Gratitude to Collaborate with Medical Medium For Venice Beach Pop-Up Dinner

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

The event, held at Café Gratitude’s Venice location at 512 Rose Avenue, will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m....

Vietnam War Veteran Killed in Santa Monica Hit-and-Run on Wilshire

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect After Fatal Collision The life of a Vietnam War veteran was extinguished in...

Malibu to Offer Free Emergency Response Training in 2025

December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024

Participants Will Learn Essential Skills to Prepare Themselves, Their Families, Businesses, or Organizations for Emergencies The City of Malibu is...

CA Attorney General Bonta Supports Federal Contractor Wage Increase in Ninth Circuit Case

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

The Federal Rule, Implemented by the Dol, Applies to Federal Contracts Nationwide and Is Projected to Benefit Hundreds of Thousands...

Film Review: Nosferatu

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Claws encased in a velvet glove. The audience helplessly feels Death’s wings enveloping the characters. Robert Egger’s...

First Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Los Angeles County

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Exposure to Raw or Undercooked Animal Products Pose Risks A human case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in...

Ray Kappe-Designed Rustic Canyon Home Lists For Nearly $4M

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

The Property Includes Three Bedrooms, Four Bathrooms, and Numerous Balconies and Decks A striking home designed by acclaimed architect Ray...

Renowned Architect Explores Art and Technology in Debut U.S. Exhibition at L.A. Louver

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Mayne, Known for His Groundbreaking Architectural Designs, Delves Into How Cutting-Edge Computer Technologies Can Address Enduring Artistic Questions L.A. Louver...

$6M Spanish-Mediterranean Home in Pali Includes Canyon and Ocean Views

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

The 4,257-Square-Foot Residence Features Four Bedrooms and Five and a Half Bathrooms A Spanish-Mediterranean style home at 16647 Bienveneda Place...

School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

By Susan Payne While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues...

Instagram Influencer Faces Lawsuit Over Fatal Fourth of July Crash in Malibu

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

Family of Rideshare Driver Alleges DUI in Crash Following Nobu Party The family of Martin Okeke, a rideshare driver, has...

SM.a.r.t Column: Happy Holidays

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

S.M.a.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) is wishing you a wonderful holiday season. We hope you are surrounded...

Three-Bedroom Bungalow on N Beirut Ave. Lists for $2.8M

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

A Refinished Chimney Adds a Classic Touch, While Updated Interior Doors Bring a Fresh, Modern Look A stylishly updated family...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...