It usually takes chaos and tragedy to bring together police, firefighters, lifeguards and paramedics. But on Wednesday, Sept. 13, San Diego’s emergency personnel will gather to celebrate and receive the community’s gratitude at the 26th annual Police and Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN), 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Crown Point Shores Rotary Pavilion.
“In times of tragedy, you don’t get to say thank you. This is the community’s chance to come out and say thank you in person,” said event chairperson Ruby Houck.
“We really appreciate it. It’s something we look forward to every year,” Lifeguard Lieutenant Nick Lerma said. “It’s gratifying to us to have the community show us appreciation for the work we do and what we contribute to beach safety and the Pacific Beach area.”
Last year many of San Diego’s emergency personnel couldn’t be at the event because they were in New Orleans helping victims of Hurricane Katrina.
This year roughly 60 are expected to attend, including Executive Assistant Police Chief Bill Maheu and Assistant Police Chief and former Northern Division captain, Lou Scanlon.
One member of each service department will also be recognized by their peers for their outstanding service to the beach community. Award recipients will receive a plaque and certificate.
Though PAESAN honors the serious work of emergency personnel, it is also a time for fun. Families can enjoy free interactive games, clowns, popcorn, prizes, face painting and Hawaiian dancers at the luau-themed festival.
“Come sporting your Hawaiian attire,” Houck said. “It’s definitely a fun atmosphere. You have to have dinner anyway, so why not come down and have a picnic with us and share our community spirit?”
Attendees can bring their own picnics, or for $5, munch on hamburgers, hotdogs and salads and barbecue dinners provided by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC), along with Crickett Moore’s famous homemade gourmet cookies for dessert.
A raffle featuring gift certificates for area restaurants, clothing shops and other local merchandise and attractions also will be held.
Local dignitaries will be on hand to honor the men and women who work to keep the public safe. Councilman Kevin Faulconer, City Attorney Mike Aguirre and other local dignitaries will send representatives from their offices to extend their thanks to San Diego’s emergency personnel.
“The whole community is coming together for this,” Houck said.
The Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC), Mission Beach Town Council, OMBAC, Lions Club, Soroptimists, Pacific Beach Kiwanis and Pacific Beach Rotary Club are working together to put on the annual event.
There will also be an announcement on the rebuilding and refurbishment of the North Crown Point Shores Rotary Pavilion, which was built in the 1980s when PAESAN started.
Tickets will be available at the event or by calling Houck at (858) 761-1140 or the PBTC offices at (858) 483-6666.