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El Centro honors officers for life‑saving response, marks lifeguard day and retires long‑time city employee
Summary
At its July 8 meeting the city presented life‑saving awards to two police officers who rendered bleeding control in a May assault, recognized lifeguards for International Lifeguard Day and Parks and Recreation Month, and presented a retirement plaque to Susanna Gonzales after 35 years of city service.
El Centro officials used the July 8 council meeting to recognize emergency responders and longtime staff. Chief Kelly presented life‑saving awards to Officer Daniel Crankshaw and Officer Carlos Bernal for rendering bleeding control and applying a tourniquet to stabilize a victim of a May assault; the chief said their swift actions "undoubtedly contributed to the saving of the victim's life." Officers Crankshaw and Bernal emphasized the role of public callers and the communications center in enabling the response.
The council also proclaimed July 2025 as International Lifeguard Day and Parks and Recreation Month. Becky, an aquatics staff member, said the El Centro Aquatic Center is staffed by a young lifeguard corps and highlighted their role keeping more than 500 daily visitors safe during the summer season. During the presentation, staff noted the center’s summer revenue and the role of lifeguards in maintaining a safe environment.
Retirement: Susanna Gonzales
Council members and staff presented a retirement plaque to Susanna Gonzales, who the city said has served more than 35 years in multiple departments, including the police department, parks and recreation, and most recently economic development. Council members praised her institutional knowledge and steady assistance to small businesses and community programs; Gonzales told the council she will move to Texas to be with her grandson.
What council recorded
- Life‑Saving Awards: Chief Kelly presented framed certificates to Officer Daniel Crankshaw and Officer Carlos Bernal for emergency response on May 15. Both officers credited the public and dispatchers for the outcome. - Lifeguards & Parks and Recreation Month: The council read proclamations recognizing lifeguards’ work and Parks and Recreation Month; staff shared a video and noted the division’s programs and summer usage. - Retirement: A plaque and words of appreciation were presented to Susanna Gonzales for 35 years of service to the city.
Council members used the presentations to thank first responders and parks staff and to highlight the role of government employees in public safety and community programming.
