Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 DCR to offer lifeguards up to $1K in bonuses; increased pay for 2022 summer season T he state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recently announced that the agency is off ering bonuses totaling up to $1,000 to qualifi ed lifeguard applicants for the 2022 season. An early signon bonus of $500 will be off ered to candidates who commit to being an agency lifeguard for the summer season by Sunday, March 27. The sign-on bonus is in addition to the agency’s $500 retention bonus that will be provide to lifeguards who continue to work for the department through the end of the season. DCR has also raised the hourly rate for lifeguards for the 2022 season to between $21 and $26 depending on position and associated certifi cations (last year’s starting rates were $20 for lifeguards and $21 for head lifeguards). Lastly, DCR has also created a new Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety to better prioritize water safety for all visitors. “In an eff ort to enhance water safety and prevent dangerous situations from occurring, our Administration has taken an approach that includes both increase water safety education and additional safety measures,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By off ering early sign-on bonuses, we hope to engage with candidates sooner in the process and ensure the state parks system has a full complement of lifeguards for the upcoming summer season.” “Lifeguards serve as an important component in our eff orts to keep children and families safe while visiting waterfronts and pools throughout the state parks system,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “With the recently created Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety and the early recruitment of lifeguards, we will hit the ground running and provide another summer of exceptional water recreational activities for all to enjoy.” Furthermore, DCR’s Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety will include three newly created positions that will work closely with one another. These positions include Director of Pool and Water Safety, a Chief Lifeguard, and a Director of the Learn to Swim Program. Interested applicants should apply online through the MassCareers job portal. “The state parks system’s beaches and pool are popular places for people of all abilities to visit and enjoy the summer with friends and family,” said Energy and Environmental Aff airs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Lifeguards keep our beaches safe, and working in this essential role can be a rewarding career with good compensation so I encourage anyone interested to apply to join our team.” Currently, DCR is actively recruiting individuals to become a lifeguard at agency-managed inland and coastal waterfronts, and deep-water swimming pools, particularly at Central and Eastern Massachusetts locations. DCR lifeguards are professional rescuers who are trained to prevent injuries and respond in the event of an emergency to help save a life. As part of a team, lifeguards must work together calmly and effi ciently to manage potential crisis situations and ensure the safety of all visitors. To be considered for a DCR lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the date of hire, must complete lifeguard training, and must be certifi ed in fi rst aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The agency offers free training classes and certification to lifeguards who commit to DCR summer employment prior to the opening of designated swimming areas. Candidate training and certifi cation dates and locations are listed at mass. gov/lifeguards for qualifi ed candidates who commit to guarding for the summer season. “The creation of a new Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety serves as another signifi cant example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s eff orts in making the state park system’s waterfronts and pools safer places for children and families to visit and enjoy,” said Acting DCR Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. “Additionally, every year the agency recruits hundreds of lifeguards to provide a watchful eye on recreational swimmers, and by off ering the new early sign-on bonus, we are seeking to jump start that process from years past.” This year’s eff orts further the Baker-Polito Administration’s aggressive steps taken last year in making all waterfronts safer locations for visitors. In August 2021, the Administration made available $475,000 for nonprofi t and private entities to apply for funding through the Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) Program to expand free beginner swim lessons to Massachusetts residents of all ages. Additionally, DCR coordinated a series of free Water Safety Days programming last summer at select agency-managed pools throughout the state to improve water safety. Also last year, DCR fabricated and installed new multilingual swimming safety signage at several unguarded waterfront locations to increase water safety awareness. Remembering the 60th Anniversary of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 A fter 60 years, we still hope to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifi ce for our freedom. COLUMBIA FALLS, ME. — February 22, 2021 — 60 years ago on March 16, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 (FTLF 739) was on a secret mission sanctioned by President Kennedy, to fl y to Vietnam. This secret Vietnam reconnaissance mission went missing and no trace of the plane or its passengers have ever been found. Onboard were 93 United States Army soldiers and 11 civilian crew members. On Wed., March 16 at 12pm ET/9am PT, Wreaths Across America will be streaming a live event to remember and commemorate the 60th anniversary of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739. The event will be streamed LIVE on WAA’s Offi cial FB page and on Wreaths Across America Radio which can also be heard via the iHeart Radio app, or by downloading it at the App Store or on Google! Very little is known about what happened to FTLF 739 and its crew and passengers, and due to the circumstance surrounding this mission, the names of those lost have not yet been added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. However, today many families and loved ones of these heroes still fi ght to have their loved ones recognized for their contributions to our freedom and our shared history. Presently, the only monument that bears the names of these almost forgotten American heroes was erected by a private citizen, Wreaths Across America founder Morrill Worcester, on the tip land in Columbia Falls, Me., where the 60th anniversary commemoration event is being held. “When I first heard the story about this mission, I was shocked to learn that nothing has been done for these families,” said Morrill Worcester. “I said that day, that we would do something to make sure these people are honored and remembered, and to hopefully give some closure to these families.” The inscription on the monument reads: “Missing in action; Presumed dead. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 went missing on March 16, 1962, with 93 U.S. Army soldiers on board. These men and their flight crew perished in what would become one of the biggest aviation mysteries out of the Vietnam War era. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED HERE SO THAT THEY WILL BE SAID ALOUD AND THEIR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON.” Presently, this private memorial is the only recognition that the heroes of FTLF 739 have ever received for their shared sacrifice to our nation. However, that can change. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced Senate Bill 2571 which is supported by Senators Blackburn (TN), Stabenow (MI), and Shaheen (NH). This bill which is presently sitting in the committee for Energy and Natural Resources seeks to have these long-forgotten heroes added to the list of names on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. “As an Army Veteran who has had the privilege of serving alongside so many amazing paFREEDOM | SEE Page 13
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