16 °F Ocean City, US
January 28, 2026

OCBP names EMT of the Year and Lifeguard of the Year

OCEAN CITY – Kyle Roseland is the Ocean City Beach Patrol Lifeguard of the Year and Aleks Kucas is the OCBP EMT of the Year.

Chief of Operations Erich Becker presented plaques to the two men Saturday night during the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant at the Ocean City Music Pier.

“Kyle has earned the respect and appreciation of the entire Ocean City Beach Patrol through his dedication, professionalism, and team spirit,” Becker said. “Kyle  consistently leads by example for younger guards.”

“As both a skilled jet ski operator and our union president, Kyle has shown strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to the job. Kyle’s positive energy is felt every morning at muster, where he greets every guard by name, making sure everyone feels seen and valued. His professionalism, reliability and willingness to go above and beyond … make him a model a deserving recipient of this award.” 

Kucas, Becker said, is known across the OCBP  “for his professionalism, skill and unmatched positivity. Whether responding to a critical emergency or making his rounds … Aleks approaches every task with the same dedication and upbeat attitude. He has gone above and beyond this season, providing swift, skilled medical care, training new EMTs, assisting captains, and always being available to help with any type of training or operational need. His calm presence under pressure puts both be patrons and fellow guards at ease, and his sense of humor and friendly demeanor brighten everybody’s day.”

 Alex has a rare ability to bridge the gap between Leboards and theTs, fostering teamwork and camaradeery across the patrol. Well respected by his peers and beloved by everyone who works for them, Alex truly embottles, embodies the professionalism, friendship and care that make the OCBP special.

– STORY and PHOTO by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff

At top, from left, EMT Aleks Kucas, lifeguard Kyle Roseland and OCBP Chief of Operations Erich Becker.

Related articles

Maestro Vince Lee: Ocean City Pops has a ‘candy store’ of music

OCEAN CITY – “Strike Up the Band” opened the Ocean City Pops Orchestra concert on Sunday night. Maestro Vince Lee introduced a season of variety from the Pops Orchestra, previewing some of the summer’s coming repertoire and showcasing the amazing breadth of talent in the orchestra.  Lee, as he often does, raved about the collection […]

Rising with the tide

More women lifeguards taking leadership roles on patrols across southern New Jersey OCEAN CITY — Historically, lifeguarding has been a male-dominated profession, but times are changing.   More and more women have been taking over leadership roles on beach patrols across southern New Jersey after serving for years protecting ocean-goers and working their way up the […]