Seal Beach authorities have dedicated its beach flagpole to the memory of a former Los Alamitos High School graduate who passed away earlier this year.
Authorities say the body of 29-year-old Lees was found on March 28 in the waters off Long Beach by the Long Beach Police Department.
Lees was a firefighter for the Los Angeles Fire Department who was reported missing December 4, 2024 while diving near the Port of Long Beach. LAFD said Lees’ dive was not associated with his work but the department was saddened by the loss.
“The LAFD stands united in grief alongside Firefighter Lees’ family, friends, and colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him,” they said in a statement.
This past week, Seal Beach Lifeguards gathered to honor one of their own with its flagpole dedication.
Lees, 29, of Seal Beach, passed away on Dec. 4, 2024. Born and raised in Seal Beach, Connor attended McGaugh Elementary, Oak Middle School, and Los Alamitos High School, where he played water polo and swam all four years.
He grew up playing baseball, participating in the Seal Beach Jr. Lifeguard program and in the ocean surfing and skateboarding with friends.
After attending Long Beach State University, Connor pursued the work he loved most—serving his community on the beach and beyond. He began as a Seal Beach lifeguard in 2013, where he worked as a seasonal lifeguard until his passing. His full time career began in 2018 as a firefighter for the city of Los Angeles where he proudly served with his brothers and sisters in the fire service. He worked at LAFD station 94 for the past five years.
Connor was known for his uplifting smile, kind spirit, and the way he made everyone feel cared for. His very nature and unique perwonality brought light and laughter wherever he went. His Seal Beach Lifeguard Association has honored him with the incredible flagpole at the end of the pier—a lasting tribute to their coworker, friend, and lifeguard for life. A plaque will be installed next week to dedicate the flagpole to honor his life and his dedicated service to the fire department and community.
He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his parents, Mark and Stephanie; his sisters Savannah and Lauren, his brother Trevor; his girlfriend, Madeline Medby; and soon-to-be brother-in-law, Zak Carey.