Abelardo (Abby) Balderas has been in the marine rescue business since 1983. He has been with several local departments, Lifeguarding and performing ocean rescue throughout Southern California. He then completed his BA at both Sonoma State and Cal State Dominguez Hills. During this time, he joined the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and. officer based out of Florida. After fulfilling his obligation with the Navy, he returned to California and became a full-time employee of Los Angeles County Fire Department. In this capacity he ran several beaches as an Ocean Lifeguard Specialist. He transferred to the Rescue Boat section. Additionally, he trained several hundred Harbor Patrol personnel, Marine Rescue and law enforcement professionals in Rescue Boat Operations for the state of California.. Soon after was sent to paramedic training at the UCLA / Daniel Freeman Paramedic School. He then moved to Catalina Island with his two young sons to the small town of Two Harbors as the resident Paramedic. He was then promoted to Paramedic Rescue Boat Captain. He has received several awards as Paramedic Rescue Boat Captain.. He is still avid ocean sports enthusiast living in Long Beach, CA.. ● Baywatch Medal of Valor Recipient. ● Los Angeles County Medal of Valor Recipient. ● Los Angeles Police Courage and Community Contribution Award (Hollenbeck Division). ● Taplin Bell 1st Place winner- Rescue Boat Section. ● Outrigger Canoe Competitor
