Community Honors Lifeguard Chief JD Moryl in Touching Santa Monica Flag Ceremony

Lifeguards, Firefighters, friends, and family gathered at Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Headquarters at Santa Monica Beach for a Flag Ceremony honoring the life of Lifeguard Section Chief Jon Douglas "JD" Moryl on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Chaplain Nugent delivered a heartfelt eulogy, expressing deepest sympathies to JD's wife, Colleen, his children Ryan and Shannon, his brother Dana, and sister Jamie. He reflected on JD's significant impact on his family, peers, and the community, highlighting his dedication to lifeguarding and his passion for music.
Born in 1954 in Santa Monica, JD grew up in the Palms area, excelling in swimming and music. He graduated with a music major from Long Beach State in 1973 and joined the Los Angeles City lifeguards the same year. JD’s career spanned 36 years, during which he was instrumental in the department’s Underwater Rescue & Recovery Unit and the Lifeguard Training Academy. He promoted through the ranks to Section Chief over the Rescue Boat Operations before retiring in 2008.
JD's personal life was equally rich. He was a devoted father, often seen supporting his children’s activities. Colleen shared touching memories of JD's gestures of love and his mentoring of his son, Ryan. His colleagues remembered him as a man of character, kindness, and unwavering commitment.
The flag folding ceremony, a tribute to JD's service, emphasized his values and the principles he lived by. The ceremony concluded with a presentation of the flag to Colleen, a boat tribute by the Lifeguard Rescue boats, and a performance of "Amazing Grace" by a piper. Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone extended his sympathies to the Moryl family, thanking everyone for their support and participation in honoring JD's legacy.
This concludes our flag ceremony
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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[@RandyOverbeck-mw8fp]

Thank you Jon for serving your family and your community ❤

[@whitemichaelwhite]

Our years swimming together at Long Beach State where positive. RIP

[@thesquishz6361]

Sounds like a concert in the background 😮

[@civilwar1234]

❤🙏

[@fluffles9591]

Soon the the town will be honoring lazy Daisy when she becomes mayor

[@jimo3393]

🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲