SACRAMENTO - On August 28, 2015, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown requesting his signature on Assembly Bill 489 introduced by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez.

AB 489 would add ocean lifeguards to the list of public safety officers eligible to receive the California Medal of Valor and authorize the United States Lifesaving Association to represent ocean lifeguards on the Medal of Valor Review Board that recommends candidates to the Attorney General.

"Ocean lifeguards often perform heroic acts requiring extraordinary valor," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "Given the nature of their jobs, our California State employed ocean lifeguards are often in harm's way as they save the lives of others and render first aid.  They are more than deserving to be considered to receive the California Medal of Valor."