During the Wednesday, July 19, 2023 City Council Meeting, two men were honored by Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and the Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management for their heroic actions earlier this month assisting a family in need.

 

On July 2nd, Jason Smart-El and Brandon Holland jumped into action to help a little girl, the girl’s mother and the girl’s uncle, who were all struggling to fight through rip currents in the ocean after guarded hours were over. They successfully swam in and saved the family.

 

Mayor Small delivered a proclamation to each of our heroes, recognizing their bravery and bringing attention to the positive outcome, then OEM Coordinator Scott Evans and Atlantic City Beach Patrol Lieutenant Mike Sykes presented each man with an Honorary Lifeguard Award.

 

Smart-El is a professional photographer and leader at the Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club, while Holland is a renowned South Jersey musician.