Better Than Baywatch :
Performing at the Highest Levels
by Danielle Anderson
As Volusia County ’ s beaches welcome spring break , bike week and summer crowds , Chief Andrew Ethridge is the epitome of calm professionalism . Serving as the director of Volusia County ’ s Beach Safety Division , his top priority is ensuring his team is focused on the safety of the 11 million visitors to the world ’ s most famous beach .
As a member of the Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Division ( VCBS ), there are times when someone ’ s life is literally in your hands . It ’ s a responsibility agency members take seriously , as noted in a report to the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement ( CFA ) recommending VCBS ’ s re-accreditation as a top-tier ‘ Excelsior ’ status agency .
“ Volusia County Beach Safety is likely one of the most unique agencies in the country . The members of this agency are all certified in three different , and some might say disparate , disciplines : emergency medical technician , open water lifeguard and law enforcement officer . It takes a special person with total dedication to perform all three of these functions and all three on a daily basis .”
“ We have about 225-300 employees total ,” said VCBS Deputy Chief Tamra Malphurs . “ Seventy-five are full-time , 69 are certified emergency medical technicians and 58 of those are sworn police officers ; therefore , we handle all enforcement on the beach . Some of our crimes include alcohol violations , disorderly intoxication , traffic infractions , animal violations , disturbances and theft .”
VCBS Chief Andrew Ethridge
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