Harry De Lope presents Jan Mezoui with a special memorial award case in honor of her late husband Zino at the Flotilla 88 Change of Watch ceremony on Saturday, December 4, 2010, in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Dec. 4, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County held their yearly Change of Watch at Zino’s Ristorante on Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville, Calif.

This ceremony is held each December to swear in the flotilla commander and vice-commander, and the Flotilla members who will serve as staff officers for the coming year of 2011.

After lunch, Past Flotilla Commander Harry De Lope presented to flotilla member Jan Mezoui a special memorial award case in honor of Jan’s late husband Zino Mezoui. The case held the awards Zino had earned while a member of Flotilla 88 and was made by Past Flotilla Commander Jerry Collins.

Following this special presentation, U.S. Coast Guard officer Lt. Rob Starr, Surface OPS Officer and Auxiliary Liaison from Group Humboldt Bay and Flotilla Division Captain Wayne Farnholtz performed the oath of office ceremony to Dane Hayward as Commander and Gary Dromi as vice commander for the year of 2011. This was followed by the swearing in of the staff officers for coming year.

For the new year, Flotilla 88 will be getting ready for the boating season by offering safe boating classes, vessel exams, and many other activities to help keep the boating public safe on and around the water.

Lake County can be proud of their Flotilla 88 members who donate hundreds of volunteer hours and are considered America’s Volunteer Life Savers.

Dane Hayward and Gary Dromi are sworn in by Division Capt.Wayne Farnholtz and U.S.Coast Guardsman Lt. Rob Starr. at the Flotilla 88 Change of Watch ceremony on Saturday, December 4, 2010, in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.