Laguna Beach Emergency Responders Honored In Weekend Ceremony

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — On Saturday, two of Laguna Beach emergency personnel were honored at a celebration held at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. Officer Mike Short and paramedic Matt Rolfe were both selected by their peers as Police Officer of the Year, and Firefighter of the year, respectively.

Firefighter Paramedic Matt Rolfe is a 9-year member of the Fire Department who started his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 2010 before moving through the organization as a sworn Firefighter and Firefighter Paramedic.

"Matt is the leading IT technician for the Department’s “new” Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) program and solely provides this all-important training for the Fire Department members. He is an active member of the Social Media team and a specialized member of the Laguna Beach Honor Guard Pipes and Drums," the Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig said in a recent announcement.

Officer Mike Short is a 14-year member of the department, and was selected by his peers for this distinction, Pietig said.

"Mike Short started his career as a summer Beach Patrol Officer in 2005 before moving through the organization as a records specialist, police officer, field training officer and founding member of both the C.S.I. and drone teams," he said. "Most recently, he has assumed the responsibilities of the Police Department hiring and training office."

Both were acknowledged for their hard work and dedication at the Annual Firefighters and Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards Dinner.

Photo, courtesy Laguna Beach Police Department