RES-10700 Loyal Service Appreciation For John KarellRESOLUTION NO. 10700
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ORANGE EXPRESSING APPRECIATION
TO FIRE CAPTAIN JOHN KARELL OF THE ORANGE
CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THIRTY -FOUR
YEARS OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE.
WHEREAS, John Karell was hired as a Firefighter in 1978. He had previously been an
Orange Fire Explorer. He became a Paramedic in 1981 and served as a Paramedic through the
end of his career. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Engineer, and in 1986 was promoted
again to Captain. John has served, with distinction, as the most senior Captain in the Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, prior to joining Orange, John was a Wildland Firefighter with the
California Department of Forestry. He applies this expertise by serving as a Wildland
firefighting instructor for Orange, as well as for most other fire departments in Orange County;
and
WHEREAS, John was the master instructor at the basic fire academy. He was a
Paramedic instructor and preceptor (field trainer). He was regarded as the best Captain to assign
new Firefighters to for probationary training. John mentored aspiring Firefighters by serving as
an ROP and explorer post instructor; and
WHEREAS, well deserved, John received a number of awards, including the 1988
Overachievers Award, Orange Rotary Valor Award in 1997, Courage Under Fire Award in 1998
and 2010 Orange Rotary Firefighter of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, John has tirelessly volunteered to work on special committees and task
forces to improve the delivery of emergency medical services and to enhance disaster
preparedness in the City. Additionally, John put in 27 years on the Union Board, selflessly
devoting time and energy on behalf of his fellow firefighters. He also chaired a group focusing
on ways to reduce expenses in the Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, John is a lifelong resident of Orange and has been very involved in the
community. He has coached youth baseball, softball, and soccer. John is a very personable
individual with a great sense of humor, and common sense which surpasses most people. He has
been very supportive of department members during times of illness, injury, and bereavement.
He can always be counted on when the "chips are down "; and
WHEREAS, John is an avid desert motorcycle rider and racer. He loves camping with
fellow Firefighters and has organized many Yosemite trips to promote camaraderie. John is a
fine communicator who enjoys "sharing" information with everyone, which prompted the
department cliche, "telephone, telegram, and tell- a- Karell ". He is fondly known by his many
friends as "Johnny Cat" and "John boy ".
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Teresa E. Smith, Mayor of the City of
Orange, on behalf of the entire Orange City Council do hereby congratulate John Karell for thirty-
four years of dedication to the Fire Department and public service. We wish John and his family
many years of happiness, health, and fulfillment during retirement.
ADOPTED this 8th day of January, 2013.
ATTEST:
Teresa . S ith, Mayor, City of Orange
Mary E. City Clerk, City e
I, MARY E. MURPHY, 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 8th day of January 2013, by the following vote:
AYES:COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES:COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT:COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN:COUNCILMEMBERS:
Murphy, Bilodeau, Smith, Whitaker, Alvarez
None
None
None
Mary E. 1 ) 4w ity Clerk, City of
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