, Officer Ramon Calixto will retire from the Chicago Police Department following thirty-one years of dedicated and meritorious public service; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this occasion by the Honorable Ariel Reboyras, Alderman of the 30th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Ramon Calixto began his illustrious career with the Chicago Police Department on January 25, 1988: and
WHEREAS, Ramon Calixto, Star #13959, retired on October 15, 2019 as a Police Officer assigned to the Near West District; and
WHEREAS, Officer Calixto has devoted his professional life to serving the people of the City of Chicago, working tirelessly to ensure that the city be a safe, healthy, vibrant and welcoming place for its citizens and visitors; and
WHEREAS, In his many years with the Department, Officer Calixto has received ninety awards for a wide variety of achievements, including: a Life Saving Award, a Crime Reduction Ribbon, a Crime Reduction Award, a Democratic National Convention Award, a Presidential Election Deployment Award, a NATO Summit Service Award, two Department Commendations, forty-eight Honorable Mentions and fourteen Complimentary Letters; and
WHEREAS, For over three decades, Officer Calixto also worked diligently for his local community, and has contributed much of his time and energy in volunteering; and
WHEREAS, Officer Calixto has volunteered at the Union League Boys and Girls Club, Erie Neighborhood House, Chicago Youth Centers, B.U.I.L.D and Esperanza School; and
WHEREAS, While working in the former 13lh Police District, Officer Calixto helped develop the Police Athletic League (PAL), a youth-oriented program focused on athletics and recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, For over ten years, Officer Calixto served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Puerto Rican Police Association (PRPA); and
WHEREAS, After Hurricane Maria devastated the Island of Puerto Rico, Officer Calixto and the PRPA raised over $40,000 to purchase a medical vehicle which provided desperately needed medical attention and treatment to citizens of Puerto Rico who were isolated; and
WHEREAS, Officer Calixto'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, but also on their families; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge that Officer Calixto will celebrate this milestone in his life together with his wonderful wife, Marie Luz, and sons, Julian and Joelh, at his side; now, therefore