Firefighters, lifeguards pick their best

At appreciation party Wednesday night, three awards given to public safety officers, who are recognized by their peers as dedicated workers.Newport Beach officials Wednesday night honored the city’s firefighter of the year, marine safety officer of the year and the seasonal lifeguard of the year.

Officials announced the awards at the Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation Party, sponsored by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Captain Bob Pingle, a 31-year veteran with Newport Fire, was chosen as firefighter of the year. Lt. Rob Williams, who supervises all 35 seasonal lifeguards in West Newport, was awarded marine safety officer of the year. And Greg Roberts, a junior lifeguard leader, was named seasonal lifeguard of the year.

All three honorees were nominated by their peers.

For Pingle, the award was given to honor an entire career of achievements, not just one year’s worth, said Pingle’s supervisor, Battalion Chief Dave Mais.

During his career, Pingle has served as paramedic instructor at Saddleback College, a Newport Beach Lifeguard Instructor, and the driving force behind purchasing several new paramedic vehicles.

Although Pingle couldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, he delivered a videotaped acceptance speech.

Mais said Pingle has a “bulldog determination” that drives him to bring forward ideas and see them through. He’s also a mentor to other firefighters.

“I think where he really has shined is showing the way to our younger people,” Mais said.

Pingle lives with his family in Lake Forest.

Williams, known to co-workers as Willie, is the supervisor of all seasonal guards in the West Newport division.

“He is an outstanding employee,” said Capt. Eric Bauer, Williams’ supervisor.

Williams is a past recipient of the seasonal lifeguard of the year award as well as the marine safety officer of the year award.

He’s active in public education with the United States Lifesaving Assn. and maintains the Newport Lifeguards website.

“He’s dependable, he’s communicative, he keeps me informed,” Bauer said.

Williams coaches club water polo in Newport Beach. He and his wife Connie live in Huntington Beach; they have three daughters.

Roberts, chosen as the Seasonal Lifeguard of the Year, is a longtime participant in the Newport Junior Lifeguards program.

“Greg’s just awesome,” said supervisor Reenie Boyer.

He was an assistant instructor in the first junior guards program, 22 years ago, Boyer said.

Roberts is now in charge of the 10- and 11-year-old division of the junior guards; at 700 participants, it’s the largest group in the program.

“He’s just super, super well respected by everyone he works with,” Boyer said.

Roberts teaches high school and coaches swimming at Laguna Hills High School. He and wife Susan live in San Clemente with their three children.

Pingle, Williams and Roberts were unavailable for comment Thursday.

* LAUREN VANE covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or by e-mail at lauren.vane@latimes.com.