My name is Alcides De Quesada, and I am asking for your support in fighting for fairness, dignity, and equal treatment for people with disabilities in the workplace.
For over 23 years, I proudly served as an ocean lifeguard 22 of which at City of Hollywood — a career that was more than a job, it was my calling. During that time, I was honored as “Lifeguard of the Year,” many other awards, but most importantly saved countless lives, and devoted myself to protecting the community I love.
Despite this record of dedication, I was unjustly terminated because of my disability. A fire chief who had never worked with me, and who was not part of Beach Safety or my department claimed that because I appeared physically fit, he found it hard to believe I had a disability at all. Without knowing me or consulting my doctors, he made a baseless, discriminatory judgment that cost me my career and my livelihood.
What followed was humiliating and devastating. City officials who had no understanding of my role as a lifeguard or anything about Beach Safety reduced me to a name on paper. My fellow lifeguards petitioned on my behalf, urging the fire chief to reconsider, but their voices were ignored.
At 52 years old, I now find myself stripped of the work I love. This ordeal has damaged me financially, emotionally, and personally — but most painfully, it has silenced my ability to do what I do best: save lives.
I am calling on the City of Hollywood & Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety Department to:
1.Reinstate me to my position as a lifeguard.
2.Provide fair and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
3.Commit to a workplace free of discrimination, bias, and retaliation.
This fight is bigger than myself. It is about ensuring that no worker with a disability — visible or invisible — is ever dismissed, doubted, or denied dignity because of prejudice and assumptions.
By signing this petition, you are not only standing for my reinstatement, but also for the principle that no one should lose their career, reputation, or purpose because of discrimination.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can make sure fairness, justice, and respect prevail.