“Last Flight” by John “Doc” Ward

SARANAC LAKE — Local illustrator and retired Saranac Lake High School art teacher John “Doc” Ward will be honored for his contribution to the United States Coast Guard during a ceremony in New York City.

Ward, a Saranac Lake resident who has been commissioned by more than 100 book and magazine publishers, will travel to the city this month for the Coast Guard honor. The vice commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Charles Michel, will accept one of Ward’s paintings at the special ceremony held Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Salmagundi Club, the oldest art club in the United States. The painting will then be part of a special collection of art owned by the Coast Guard.

Ward’s painting, titled “Last Flight,” is 14 by 19 inches and depicts Coast Guard rescue swimmers being lifted from the water by a Coast Guard helicopter.

Aviation survival technicians, better known as rescue swimmers, undergo some of the most rigorous training in the Coast Guard. To join their ranks, candidates must endure physical and mental challenges that rival those facing any potential Army Ranger, Navy SEAL or Air Force parachute rescue man.