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Retiring city employees honored by Council
retiring city employee
Turlock Fire Captain Larry Chalupnik was one of four retiring City employees honored during the Turlock City Council meeting on Tuesday evening. - photo by CARA HALLAM / The Journal

During Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting, a handful of city employees were honored for their years of service and dedication as they prepare for retirement.

Fire Captain Larry Chalupnik served the Turlock Fire Department for nearly 28 years, having started working toward a career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter with TFD in December 1983. In 1985, Chalupnik started as a full-time firefighter with the City of Turlock, being active in suppression, rescue operations and public education.

Chalupnik was also an active participant in the early years of developing the fire department’s annual Christmas Santa Truck Program which continues to this day.

The Turlock Police Department’s Patricia Panos was also honored during the meeting, having worked with the police department since 1985. In 1998, Panos was promoted to Senior Dispatcher with TPD, having been an active member and serving as the State President of the California Association of Property and Evidence for over 10 years. Retiring from her position as Property/Evidence Specialist, Panos served the City of Turlock for over 28 years.

Captain Jeffry Lopes was recognized by the Council for his dedication to the Turlock Police Department since 1979, when he started as a Police Explorer Scout. In 1985, Lopes was promoted to Public Service Technician, and graduated as the top overall student in his police academy class.

For over 15 years, Lopes has served as an active member and leader of the Turlock Police Department’s Critical Response Team. With over 30 years of serving Turlock, Lopes will retire from his position as Police Captain with years of honorable service.

Last but not least, Turlock Building Inspector Joel Carter was also recognized, having worked with the City Building Department since October 1987. While serving Turlock, Carter developed his abilities through functioning as an inspector, plan checker, senior building inspector and staff supervisor.

During his tenure, Carter was an active participant in the development of the Building Department’s neighborhood maintenance complaint process, and made significant contributions to the Turlock Youth Soccer Association through his active involvement during his free time.

Carter has also been noted as serving the entire community through his participating with the local Kiwanis Club while working for the City of Turlock for approximately 26 years.