Charles E. Grennell
State Park Ranger
Department of Parks and Recreation
3/25/1978
Special Act Award (Gold)
On March 25, 1978, State Park Ranger Charles E. Grennell, accompanied by three other rangers, responded to an emergency call of “swimmers in distress” at Sunset State Beach. Upon reaching the beach, Ranger Grennell checked with the first swimmer who had reached the shore safely and learned another swimmer was in trouble. Removing only his gun belt and boots, Ranger Grennell entered the heavy surf and swam out to the second victim bringing him close enough to shore for a fellow ranger to carry him to the beach and administer oxygen. By this time, an army helicopter had arrived on the scene and requested assistance in retrieving a third victim who was approximately two hundred yards from shore, lying face down in the water. Ranger Grennell again volunteered to assist, despite the dangers of strong rip currents. Lowered into the choppy water in a helicopter rescue basket, Ranger Grennell, exhausted and cold, placed the victim partially into the basket. The victim fell out the basket and Ranger Grennell again attempted to rescue the victim.