Thomas D. McAdams, Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate, (BMCM) US Coast Guard retired, graduated from Ballard High School in 1950. He joined the Coast Guard in December, 1950 and served for thirty years, twenty seven of which were on active duty. Many of these years were devoted to the SAR (Search and Rescue) field. He was personally involved in over 5,000 calls for assistance and is credited with personally saving the lives of more than 100 people. He has been upside down or pitch-polled over 9 times in various CG Motor Life Boats ranging in lengths from 36-52 feet.

Among the award and medals McAdams has received are Legion of Merit Medal from the President of the United States, Coast Guard Medal from the Secretary of the Treasury, Gold Lifesaving Medal from the Commandant U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Achievement Medal from the Commandant U.S. Coast Guard. In addition he received the first Oregon Governor’s Award in 1969 in Safe Boating, the City of Newport, Oregon’s Valor Award in 1976 and the Newport Oregon Chamber of Commerce Award for Civil Achievement in 1976. He was the first enlisted man to be a delegate to the International Lifeboat Conference in New York City in 1970.

He has been a public speaker to thousands in Community Clubs and other organizations speaking to groups on boating safety from Puerto Rico to Alaska. Feature stories on McAdams have appeared in many national publications including Men’s Magazine 1954, Life Magazine 1967, National Geographic July 1974 and many boating publications and magazines. He also serves as an Expert Witness in Marine Casualty and Surf Conditions.

After a career in saving lives for the Coast Guard, he moved on to saving lives with the Fire Department. He is now a Captain in the Newport Oregon Fire Department where he has served for thirty years.