Monday was a huge day for the City of Hallandale Beach - as those who were responsible for saving the life of Maksim Samartsev - were recognized and honored. LEFT: Lifeguard Tomas Lopez, 21, fields questions from the many reporters on hand. MIDDLE: Maksim Samartsev applauds Marisol Azofra who received a proclaimation from the City of Hallandale Beach. RIGHT: Ivan Samartsev thanks everyone on behalf of his son. (PHOTOS: Courtesy City of Hallandale Beach Public Relations)
LIFE CHANGING Larry Blustein As I stood in the Hallandale Beach City Commission chamber on Monday for the special recognition of lifeguard Tomas Lopez and those who were responsible for
Marisol Azofra speaks with reporters on Monday, a week after her efforts helped in saving the life of Maksim Samartsev. saving a life last week on Hallandale Beach, many things raced through my mind. One of the things was this Jeff Ellis Management group out of Orlando. It had been established, for some reason, this company actually provided and ran the lifeguards for the City of
Lifeguard Contractor Will Not Seek Extension; City will explore other options In the wake of the hasty firing of a lifeguard, Jeff Ellis Management has notified the City of Hallandale Beach they will not seek an extension of the contract that expires Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012. Jeff Ellis management will work with the City of Hallandale Beach for a smooth transition. Mr. Ellis notified City Manager Renee Crichton of his decision earlier today, Monday, July 9, that the company has decided to resign at the end of the contract. “I take full responsibility for how this situation was handled by our company,” Jeff Ellis said in a prepared statement sent to the City. “I can’t change what happened, but when we took this job I promised accountability. I am taking this action to fulfill my promise.” A supervisor from Jeff Ellis Management fired lifeguard Tomas Lopez on Monday, June 2, following the rescue of a swimmer about 1,500 feet south of his station at South Beach Park. The rescue was in an area posted as unprotected. Mr. Lopez raced to help Good Samaritans pull swimmer Maksim Samartsev, 20, to shore. Me. Lopez was fired for failing to follow the company’s protocol. The City has always maintained lifeguards should respond to any emergency whether inside or outside the protected zones. Jeff Ellis management is in the final year of a three-year contract to provide lifeguards at two City-owned beaches and the City’s Municipal swimming pool. The City will explore all options for protecting the visitors to the City’s beaches and swimming pool, including hiring lifeguards as City employees. The City had a lifeguard staff until 2003 when they City contracted services.
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Hallandale Beach leaps into the national spotlight with beach rescue Hallandale Beach. I have been here a long time, over 45 years, and took it for granted that this seaside community had its own lifeguards. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BLUSTEIN, Page 9A
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HALLANDALE BEACH Rescued swimmer Maksim Samartsev was reunited with two of the four rescuers and paramedics who saved his life during a ceremony at Hallandale Beach City Hall. Mayor Joy Cooper and the Commission hosted the event. Page 6B
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