EX-LIFEGUARD LOVES NEW ROLE.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

After working 12 years as a part-time lifeguard at Castaic Lake, Bruce Kelley was anxious for a full-time gig.

In fact, he decided that if he couldn't get a 40-hour schedule at the lake, it was time to move on.

``I had been working there since 1981, and I wanted to become full time,'' Kelley said in a recent interview. ``And since that wasn't happening I began preparing to take the police exam, but there was a hiring freeze at the time. I needed a break.''

While patrolling the waters on the north end of the lake one blustery and windy day in 1992, an unsuspecting Kelley got that break.

``The winds were whipping up at about 70 mph and these two guys were on a boat trying to steer it back to the launch ramp. So I had to rescue them,'' Kelley said.

One of the men he rescued was California Highway Patrol Capt. Terry Haran, who was out bass fishing with a friend. Kelley aided the captain and the man's companion onto his patrol vessel and helped them back to the shore and to safety.

``So I talked to him about the test and afterwards he wrote me a nice letter of recommendation which I think helped me in the application process,'' Kelley said.

Two years later, Kelley joined the Newhall CHP, still cherishing the days as a lifeguard. ``Those were special days. But I'm enjoying these days,'' he said.

A world-class swimmer who once received a swimming scholarship, Kelley has been a constant at the annual California Police Olympics, where he has won 16 medals the past two years.

``This is great. The Olympics gives me a chance to swim in competition, train a little harder than I normally would, and also it helps me to lose weight,'' Kelley said with a chuckle.

Each year officers from different agencies throughout the state compete in various sports. Organizers for this year's host city, Concord, created an Olympic Village setting complete with opening ceremonies and torch lighting.

``That gave it a real Olympic feel, and everyone is so supportive. Each city that hosts the event does a wonderful job,'' Kelley said.

The winner of eight gold and two silver medals this year - bringing his two-year medal total to 16 - Kelley said he hopes either the CHP Newhall office or the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's station will take the lead in hosting one of the Olympics.

``It would be nice. The Santa Clarita Valley has all of the venues necessary for the Olympics, and everyone would enjoy having them,'' Kelley said.

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Photo

PHOTO (Color in SAC Edition only) CHP Officer Bruce Kelley hoists medals he won at the Police Olympics in June. The former lifeguard used to patrol Castaic Lake.