RES-9766 Loyal Service Appreciation Helga Irene JohnsonRESOLUTION NO. 9766
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ORANGE EXPRESSING APPRECIATION
TO HELGA IRENE JOHNSON OF THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND COMMENDING HER FOR
MORE THAN TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OF
LOYAL AND DEDICATED
SERVICE.WHEREAS, Helga Johnson began her career as a police officer with the San
Diego Police Department in 1971, graduating from the San Diego Police Academy on June 22,
1972.Helga worked as a patrol officer and juvenile investigator, imitating a fictional character in
a Cosmopolitan article she had read before beginning her career. Helga resigned from the
San Diego Police Department and joined the Orange Police Department on December 5,
1974.Helga was Orange's first female police officer assigned to work uniformed patrol
and traffic ;mvestigation, earning the confidence and respect of her peers and paving the way
for future female officers throughout law
enforcement.In 1977, Helga was transferred to the newly formed Youth Services Bureau as
a Detective. While in this unit, Helga gained expertise in handling child abuse
investigations,and received numerous citizen commendations regarding her sensitive, caring concern for
the welfare: of others, particularly the youth and children of
Orange.Helga served for several years as an advisor for the Orange Police Department
Explorer Post #266, and received the Award of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America for her work.
She was involved in several outside organizations, including the Child Abuse Prevention
Council,Orang(: Youth Employment Services, New Alternatives, Turning Point Diversion Services
and the Women Peace Officer's Association of
California.Helga was involved in the development and success of the Orange Police Department'
s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program for 18 years, providing guidance,
direction and support for thousands of children in the Orange Unified School
District.Helga retired from the Orange Police Department on July 5, 2003. She plans
to continue her involvement with her church and expanding her own Mary Kay cosmetic
business.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of
Orange express gratitude to Detective Helga Irene Johnson for over 28 years of distinguished
and honorable service to the Orange Police Department and to the citizens of
ADOPTED this 12th day of August, 2003.
J1Jt-
fN Mark A. Murphy,
Mayor,
ATTEST:AJ.
d Cassandra J. Cat , CIty Clerk, CIty of
Orange I, CASSANDRA J. CATHCART, City Clerk of the City of Orange, California,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City
Council of the City of Orange at a regular meeting thereof held on the 12'
h day of August, 2003, by
the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:COUNCILMEMBERS: Ambriz, Alvarez, Murphy, Coontz,
Cavecche COUNCILMEMBERS:
None COUNCILMEMBERS:
None COUNCILMEMBERS:
None h-
t-:t Cassandra J. Cathc City Clerk, CIty