Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter-News Analyst
At its June 4, 2013 regular meeting the Fernandina Beach City Commission recognized people and events by four proclamations:
Recognition and gratitude to Fernandina Beach Fire Engineer Adam Loud
On May 15, 2013, City Fire Engineer Adam Loud performed lifesaving acts at Main Beach. Two swimmers became caught up in rip currents about 200 yards off shore, and two others beach goers jumped in to rescue them. Quickly recognizing that all four swimmers were in distress, Engineer Loud, who was recently assigned to lead the Ocean Rescue Division after receiving certifications as both an ocean rescue lifeguard and a lifeguard instructor, swiftly shed his uniform, grabbed a rescue can from the fire truck and a nearby boogie board and dove into the surf to rescue all four people. The individuals, while shaken and fatigued, received medical attention on the scene from Fernandina Beach firefighters who arrived within 3 minutes of the 911 call. Due to his prompt action, along with coordinated actions of the Fire Department and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Unit, all four swimmers’ lives were saved.
In presenting the proclamation to Engineer Loud, Mayor Pelican said, “When seconds count, this guy [Loud] was in the water. I know because I had someone personally attest to how quickly he entered the water to rescue these people.”
Loud received a standing ovation from the audience.
Mayor proclaims the week of June 2, 2013 National Beach Safety Week
Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Jason Higginbotham was on hand to accept this proclamation along with three of the city’s 35 lifeguards. Higginbotham reminded the public that the city covers 6 island beaches with lifeguards. He reinforced the importance of swimming at guarded beaches. So far this year, during 13 days of lifeguarding, 77 swimmers have been rescued due to rip currents. Lifeguards have also issued 154 preventative warnings during that period. Higginbotham stressed that while the city has many beach accesses, people should never swim alone.
June 8, 2013 proclaimed Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day in Fernandina
In accepting this proclamation from Mayor Sarah Pelican, Marina Manager Joe Springer encouraged citizens to visit the Marina from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate the water activities with a locally sponsored boat show and other water-related demonstrations.
Mayor proclaims June 14, 2013 as National Flag Day and the week of June 10, 2013 as National Flag Week
In accepting the proclamation, Marie Santry, Chapter Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution informed citizens that in honor of the flag, there will be a “Flag Retirement Ceremony” at the 14th Street Firehouse on June 14 at 10 a.m. so that worn out, faded and/or damaged American flags may be retired properly. She invited members of the public to drop off flags that have reached the end of their useful lives or bring them to the ceremony.
Reporter-News Analyst
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, N Y, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
June 10, 2013 1:00 a.m.