TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Presentation of the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to Mark Soloman, Jane DeClercq, and Lindsey Stratton, Parks and Recreation Department.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Present awards.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Present awards.
• Pros: Recognizes staff’s lifesaving response and service to the community.
• Cons: None identified.
Option 2: Do not present awards.
• Pros: None identified.
• Cons: The employees’ lifesaving actions will not receive formal recognition at this meeting.
Background Information
The American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders recognizes on-duty professional responders, including lifeguards, who save or sustain a life while performing their job responsibilities. This award is reserved for individuals whose training, rapid assessment, and skillful execution of rescue protocols directly contribute to a positive outcome during a life‑threatening event.
On July 8, 2026, staff at Warm Mineral Springs Park provided life-saving care to a patron in distress. The team performed high-quality CPR and executed a smooth transition of care to the North Port Fire Rescue Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Their quick recognition, rapid response, and skilled administration of CPR are among the key reasons this patron survived.
In recognition of their actions, the American Red Cross has awarded the Life Saving Award for Professional Responders to the following Parks and Recreation Department team members whose job duties and responsibilities are performed at the Warm Mineral Springs Park:
Ø Mark Soloman, Lifeguard I
Ø Jane DeClercq, Lead Lifeguard
Ø Lindsey Stratton, Assistant Aquatics Manager
Their efforts exemplify the essential role that lifeguards serve as first responders within aquatic environments, representing the Parks and Recreation Department’s commitment to public safety, preparedness, and high‑quality community service.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Public Safety
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Prepared by: Devón Poulos, Aquatics Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director