After 37 years, Stephens leaves a trailblazing legacy.
With just days left in his 37-year career with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, lifeguard Lt. Lonnie Stephens bid La Jolla farewell at a sendoff in his honor.
Among remarks of gratitude from La Jollans and city of San Diego staff, the La Jolla Town Council presented Stephens with a cake at its Oct. 10 meeting.
Stephens retires Nov. 1.
From left, new Ssn Diego Fire Chief Robert Logan, lifeguard Chief James Gartland, Lonnie Stephens
Stephens is an “incredibly special person,” lifeguard Chief James Gartland said. “He is a great friend, a great colleague.”
More than that, however, Stephens “is a trailblazer,” Gartlans said, noting Stephens is the first Black sergeant and marine safety lieutenant for the lifeguard division.
Further, Stephens “spearheaded our mental health focus,” Gartland said. “He’s our peer support guy. He’s just done an incredible job with people’s mental health and the safety of your rescuers.
“He’s got a heart of gold. He’s as honest as it gets.”
Stephens began as a lifeguard in 1987.
“I was 17,” Stephens said.” I had no idea what I was doing. … It’s been an incredible journey.”
Stephens started when there were only two permanent lifeguards watching the water at La Jolla Shores, Gartland said. “There was one permanent lifeguard at The Children’s Pool, one at La Jolla Cove. And you hoped that the area sergeant would show up to give you a break, to go to the bathroom, maybe get some food and go for a run or something, just for that half hour.”
Over the years, Stephens has proved himself “a true waterman and a true lifeguard” Gartland continued.
La Jolla “is such a technical place,” he said, “with the rescue work, the cliffs, the reefs, the big water, the political issues, the sea lions.”
Stephens “spins all those plates with grace and style and empathy,” Gartland said.
Stephens is a lifelong San Diego resident, he said, noting he grew up playing sports at city recreation centers and surfing “that kept me off the street.”
He thanked his coaches, teachers and mentors along the way, “people who have taught me to just go one day at a time, stay humble.”
It’s a philosophy that’s helped him get to 37 years, Stephens said.
“All you got is today. I’ve learned something about loving this job, digging in and giving it my all for one day, 24 hours a day at a time.”
“We get to see people at their worst, but we get to see people at their best and everything in between,” Stephens said.
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