CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO CAPTAIN THOMAS E. KARNICK ON RETIREMENT
FROM THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Captain Thomas E. Karnick has retired from the Chicago Police Department on November 15th, 2018, following thirty-two years of dedicated and meritorious public service; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed ofthis occasion by the honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Captain Karnick's career with the Department has been truly exemplary. Since first joining the force in 1986, he has been recognized for his leadership capability and commitment by being promoted to Sergeant 1996, to Lieutenant in 2001, and to Captain in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Captain Karnick has brought a wealth of knowledge, training, and experience to his collaborative work with police force colleagues, governmental and community stakeholders, having earned a Doctor of Law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2007), a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology (1990), and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University (1994); and
WHEREAS, Captain Karnick has most deservedly received a total of one-hundred and eight Departmental honors and awards for a wide variety of achievements over the decades, including: seventy-nine Honorable Mentions, ten Emblems of Recognition for Physical Fitness; eight Complimentary Letters; two Life Saving Awards; two Attendance Recognition Awards; a 2004 Crime Reduction Ribbon; a 2008 Presidential Election Deployment Award; a 2009 Crime Reduction Award; a Department Commendation; a NATO Summit Award; a Democratic Convention Award; and a Problem Solving Award; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished tenure, Captain Karnick has consistently upheld the finest traditions ofthe law enforcement community and helped to ensure that the city is a safe, healthy, vibrant and welcoming place for its citizens and visitors. His character, integrity, and hard work have garnered him the deep respect and admiration of his colleagues and the communities he has served; and
WHEREAS, Captain Karnick's consistent dedication to and fulfillment of the motto of the Chicago Police Department, "We Serve and Protect", exacts a substantial physical and emotional toll not only on the officers who must daily cope with stress and danger of being life's arbitrator for countless citizens, but also on their family members; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the Chicago City Council, gathered here this twelfth day of December, 2018, do hereby commend Captain Karnick for his dedication and outstanding career achievements and express our most heartfelt wishes for a pleasant retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Captain Thomas E. Karnick as a sign of our deepest honor and respect.