Oceanside Honors its heroes

Photos by Alan Crosthwaite Photography

by Scott Ashton

Earlier this week, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce held its 1st Annual Oceanside Heroes event, recognizing some of Oceanside's finest public safety employees and educators. The event, presented by Tri-City Medical Center, was held on the rooftop terrace at the Springhill Suites by Marriott in downtown Oceanside. 

Representatives from the Oceanside Police Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Oceanside Lifeguards and Oceanside Unified School District were recognized for outstanding contributions to the well-being and advancement of our City. 

Oceanside Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery and Assembly Member Rocky Chavez were in attendance to help congratulate the award winners. The following individuals were recognized for their excellent service to the community:

Oceanside Police Department
Erik Ellgard, Detective, Crimes of Violence Unit
Karl Hoglund, OPD Senior Volunteer
Kim Watson, Communications Supervisor

Oceanside Fire Department
Jessamyn Specht, Fire Captain
Beverly Shapiro, Accounting Specialist II
Don Kaiser, Senior Volunteer

Oceanside Lifeguards
Tyson Cleveland, Oceanside Lifeguard Legacy Award
Brienne Lukes, Oceanside Lifeguard Winter Soldier Award
Landon Van Horn, Oceanside Tower Lifeguard Award

Oceanside Unified School District Teachers of the Year
Elena Morales, Kindergarten Teacher at Mission Elementary
Alma Casillas, 2nd Grade Teacher at Palmquist Elementary

Presenting Sponsor was Tri-City Medical Center. The awards that were presented at the event were sponsored by Air Methods/Mercy Air. Gold sponsors included Genentech, Pacific Marine Credit Union and Springhill Suites by Marriott.

​Event sponsors were Waste Management of North County, Erickson-Hall Construction, City of Oceanside, San Diego Gas & Electric, Stirling Development, Ocean's Eleven Casino, Shopoff Realty Investments and California State University San Marcos.