San Rafael resident John Chung, a civic volunteer and champion of youth sports and music, has been honored with the city’s 2025 public service award. The City Council presented Chung with the Richard O’Brien and the Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award at its meeting on April 7.

“It’s just an honor to be given the award,” Chung said. “It was totally unexpected.”

Chung, 63, is a retired lieutenant of the San Francisco Fire Department, a professional band manager and a coach of the San Rafael High School golf teams.

Chung has lived in San Rafael since 1997. He and his wife Dr. Cindy Chung, a pediatrician, have two adult children, Ryan and Kendra. His involvement in youth music began more than a decade ago when his children were in school band, he said.

“I’ve always worked with bands,” said Chung, who manages the jazz band Hiroshima.

“I know how to do production, sound, stage setup and move equipment.” Chung said he started helping with concerts at Glenwood Elementary School. That continued at Davidson Middle School and San Rafael High School. His support included securing charter buses to transport students for performances, as well as van and truck rentals to move equipment.

He also provided technical support when they performed.

“In my opinion, when they had performances, I thought the kids should be rock stars for that day,” Chung said. Chung also was instrumental in launching fundraisers to support the music programs and managed the sound system for 10 years at the school district’s HeadsUp Carnival.Neither of Chung’s children played on the San Rafael High School golf teams, but he grew up playing with his father and had experience coaching Little League baseball, he said.

“In 2023, I was asked if I would coach the boys golf team,” Chung said. “I was told if there was no coach there would be no team. I refused to let the team go away, so I said I’d do it. I just really enjoy playing golf.”

In order to keep the golf programs active, he organized creative fundraisers, including a “Living Room Concert” series and “A Second Cup of Coffee” speaker series at his home.

“John is a true champion for music and athletics in San Rafael, positively impacting countless students and families, even beyond when his own children graduated,” said Bob Marcucci, deputy superintendent of San Rafael City Schools.

“Our music programs spanning from elementary school to middle school to high school have benefited from his dedication of his time, expertise and resources,” Marcucci said. “He goes above and beyond in showcasing our students’ talents, helping to make them sound their best with professional-level sound.”

Casey Sully, the San Rafael High School athletic director and head coach of the varsity football team, said Chung has done an incredible job rebooting the golf program.

“We now have a healthy roster with a developmental team and around 20 boys participating, which is a huge step forward from where we were just a few years ago,” Sully said. “He’s consistent, reliable and a great teacher of the game, both on and off the course.”

“Beyond coaching, John’s deeply invested in building community,” Sully said, highlighting his fundraising efforts.

For example, Chung is planning an event on May 17 with Megumi Nakamura — a San Rafael High School graduate who is a director and Broadway performer — for a conversation about her career and growing up in San Rafael.

“Events like these not only support the golf program but also strengthen the ties between past and present students, which is invaluable,” Sully said. “John’s dedication truly embodies public service, and we’re lucky to have him in the San Rafael community.”

Chung also serves as a member of the San Rafael Fire Commission. Last year, he helped organize six community open houses in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the department. Chung also volunteers with the department, joining ride-alongs and lending a hand during major incidents.

“John shows up wherever he’s needed,” San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin said. “He embodies what public service looks like in action — not for recognition but because that’s who he is.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to have his heart and leadership in San Rafael,” Colin said.

The award, named after a former city planning commissioner and his wife, includes $2,500 from the Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Citizen of the Year Fund, which is administered by the Marin Community Foundation.