The Galveston County Daily News

One of our key players is leaving us. Supervisor-officer Sean Migues is moving on to greener pastures.

About a decade ago, Sean came to the Beach Patrol. He was about 17. He was a big, friendly kid who tried out with his best friend, Simon. They had grown up together and decided to spend the summer working on the beaches here in Galveston. They both were really fun to have in the school because of their enthusiasm and because, unlike many kids that age, they were not spending so much time trying to be “cool.” They participated and got a lot out of it. The whole class benefited.

Sean left us to join the Marines. When he left, he told us he’d be coming back and that one day he’d be a lifeguard supervisor. I remember laughing at this. Lots of people leave and say this kind of thing, but then the next bright light appears and off they go in a totally new direction.

Well, when Sean finished his years of service, back he came. He was older and had changed. He was much stronger. Fortunately, he still retained that enthusiasm. He had been assigned the presidential detail, which tells me he gave the same 100 percent to the Marines that he’d given us. True to his word, he stayed, worked hard and eventually got promoted to the rank of senior lifeguard, and then on the lifeguard supervisor.

He went on to a career in the emergency services. He became a paramedic-firefighter and moved out of state.

Sean’s family and his Texas roots brought him back again, and guess what? Round three. He worked for Emergency Medical Services and as a supervisor for us. He became a full-time supervisor, which means he works all year and was a salaried employee.

He went to police school and became one of our peace officers. His job included normal patrol, as well as maintenance. In addition, he became our training officer, which put him in charge of the Lifeguard and Supervisor Academies, as well as Personal Water Craft School and many other responsibilities.

Sean has been an integral part of our operations. He has not only saved many, many lives but also has brought a lot to our Beach Patrol culture. He’s very good at the job and serious about it. He’s the first in line to volunteer for whatever is needed. He also has a good sense of humor and a sort of goofy quality that keeps things on the lighter side.

For that reason, he’s the topic of many of our office pools where we bet on everything from when a buoy will break free of its mooring to the date and location of hurricane strikes. We often bet on what Sean will do in a given situation, and this process has even been given the title of “Migamania!”

Because there’s so much serious stuff we deal with it really lightens the atmosphere when I get a call and hear those magic words, “Are you ready for a little Migamania?”

The good news is that we’re not really losing Sean. He is going to start working for our partners in the Galveston Police Department soon. He will do a great job for them as well and will continue to be an asset to the community.

We’re all pleased that the “Migamania” will continue wearing the color blue.

Peter Davis is chief of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. His views do not necessarily represent those of the Beach Patrol, Galveston Park Board of Trustees or any other entity.