Please join us in congratulating Fire Captain Chad Azevedo on his retirement after more than 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Vacaville. 

“I began my fire service career in 1994 with the Mountain View Fire Protection District and later moved to the Turlock Rural Fire Department in 1997. On November 16, 1999, I was hired by the City of Vacaville, where I have proudly spent the past 26 years serving this community.

I chose the fire service because I have always felt a calling to help people and to stand in the gap when others are in need. As a young athlete full of energy, serving my community through the fire service felt like a natural fit.

One of my most meaningful memories with the City of Vacaville was leading the 17-1 Fire Academy between August and December of 2017. It was the most challenging and time-consuming period of my career, but also the most rewarding. I learned more from that experience than from many of my successes, and it remains a defining time of growth for me.

In retirement, I plan to continue serving through ministry and have been blessed with the opportunity to join a new team focused on serving our community through events and gatherings.

Throughout my years on the fire engine, we operated as a team of three, completely relying on one another to make it safely home to our families. I’ve always been reminded that I am never alone in the fire, and that God is with me, as reflected in this scripture that has guided me throughout my career:

‘Look!’ he answered, ‘I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.’ — Daniel 3:25.”

Thank you, Chad, for your leadership, service, and commitment to the Vacaville Community. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.

Please join us in congratulating Police Department Clinical Services Administrator Paula Ledoux on her more than 26 years of service to the City of Vacaville and wishing her a very happy retirement.

“I have had a long and meaningful career in public service, and my time with the City of Vacaville has been especially rewarding. Before joining the City, I worked in a variety of roles—from union organizing in New York to mental health and social services work throughout California. I joined the Vacaville Police Department as a Master Social Worker and later served as the Mental Health Coordinator and, most recently, as the Clinical Services Administrator. It has been an honor to be part of such a unique and dedicated team.

I chose this line of work because of the values I was raised with. My family has a strong history of service, and I learned early on the importance of helping others and giving back to the community. I truly believe that, given the opportunity, most people can heal from past trauma and grow. Being part of work that supports that belief has been incredibly meaningful to me.

Some of my favorite memories come from the early days when the FIRST office was on Cernon Street. I worked with detectives who brought so much humor to the workplace, and I remember a lot of laughter and fun Christmas potluck gift exchanges. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to mentor clinical interns over the years, the friendships I’ve made, and being part of a multidisciplinary team within the Police Department. The programs are truly unique, and it has been an honor to serve.

After retirement, I’m looking forward to skiing with my family in New Hampshire, visiting my daughter in Florence, Italy, and helping plan my son’s summer wedding. I also plan to do some private practice work, spend more time with family on the East Coast, and continue traveling.

A few parting words: At work, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities. In general, always be kind—you never know what someone else has been through.”

Thank you, Paula, for your dedication, compassion, and many years of service to the City of Vacaville. We wish you all the best in this next chapter and hope you enjoy every moment of your retirement. 

Please join us in recognizing Mary Decker, Senior Housing Specialist in Housing & Community Services, on her retirement and thank her for nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Vacaville. Mary’s last day will be December 19, 2025.

“I started with the City of Vacaville in January 2006, in Housing & Community Services as a Housing Technician. Prior to that, I worked for Solano County beginning in 2001, serving in various departments, completing my time there in Child Support. Altogether, this gives me 25 years of working in social services and helping our community.

I have enjoyed helping people, but I originally came to the City of Vacaville to be closer to home while my boys were younger. I was looking to build a career with the City, not knowing at the time that it would turn into 20 years.

Some of my most memorable moments include my very first day with the City, which happened to be during a flood event where I was able to help out in the community. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people in Housing and have witnessed both downturns and periods of growth within our department.

In retirement, I plan to travel with family and friends, spend quality time with my loved ones, get in shape, and enjoy my home. My advice to others: do your best—time goes by fast. Be an example, and you will know when it is time.”

Congratulations, Mary, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement!

Please join us in congratulating Police Captain Dave Kellis on his 27 years of service to the City of Vacaville and wish him a very happy retirement.

"Prior to becoming a police officer, I served in the Air Force for three years. I transitioned into public safety because I wanted a career that provided flexibility in the day-to-day work with a variety of different tasks and roles, and in an environment in which I could help people in the town where I grew up.

In retirement, I plan to travel and enjoy time with my family.

A few closing words: Vacaville is an amazing community, and our city staff is a big reason why. Keep caring and going the extra mile!"

Thank you, Captain Kellis, for your leadership and commitment to our community. We wish you the very best and hope you enjoy every moment of this next chapter of your life.

Please join us in congratulating Community Development Department Executive Assistant Nancy Tillotson for her 20 years of service to the City of Vacaville and wish her a very happy retirement.  
 
"I have called Vacaville home for nearly 40 years, and it has been an incredible journey! I was thrilled to join the City in 2005, starting my career in Fire Administration. Over the years, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of Executive Assistant in Community Development. It has been a great experience serving under three Fire Chiefs and three Community Development Directors, each bringing their own unique vision. I am grateful for the opportunities and the relationships I have built along the way!
 
I chose this line of work because I thrive in organized environments where I can face new challenges daily. I love the dynamic nature of administrative roles—there has never been a dull moment! Supporting others and helping teams achieve their goals is very fulfilling to me. Knowing that my contributions helped make a difference is rewarding. 
 
One of my favorite memories of working for the City is hearing visitors express how welcoming our community feels. I love the unique charm of our downtown historical buildings, the variety of community activities, the multitude of parks, including my favorite, Stoneridge, the emphasis on local agriculture, and the rich diversity and educational resources we offer. Most of all, it is the friendliness of our residents that stands out. I am proud to have been part of many projects over the years, all aimed at enhancing our community.
 
After my retirement, I am excited to dive into some hobbies I have set aside, like gardening, photography, and golfing. I can't wait to spend more time with my grandchildren as they become young adults. I also plan to participate in various classes and events the City offers. Our wonderful country has so much to explore and appreciate, and I look forward to visiting many of our states!
 
A few closing words: Enjoy what you do. Keep an open mind, and never stop learning!"
 
Thank you, Nancy, for your enthusiasm and commitment to our community. We wish you the very best and hope you enjoy every moment of this next phase of your life.

We wish Firefighter/Paramedic Courtney Hughes-Plocher a wonderful retirement. Courtney has served with the City for nearly 22 years. She began her career with a private ambulance company for several years throughout California. She then moved into a volunteer firefighter, part-time paid, and then engineer with Rio Vista over five years. Her journey led her South Placer Fire District as a firefighter/paramedic/driver operator for 2 ½ years before landing her dream job with Vacaville.

“I changed my major several times in college, but while volunteering in a hospital emergency room and observing the paramedics coming and going, I realized that is what I wanted to do. I earned my EMT and later my Bachelor’s in psychology. 

My favorite thing about Vacaville is the ‘small town’ but you really don’t fully understand that until you live and work in the same place. I have so many memories. Just last week a patient said I took a photo with her son. She was so thankful we took the time to show him the fire engine and make his day. She showed me the photo of that day about 4 years prior. I’m so glad to have made a positive lasting impression on her child and her.

In retirement, I will be a stay at home mom to my kids, 13 and 16, for a few years before they’re grown up. I can’t wait to be there for their events, games, dance, theatre and maybe a little coaching, refereeing and playing soccer, another love of mine.

I am also a board member for Golden State Women in the Fire Service where we hold empowerment Girls Fire Camps for high school and college women who are considering firefighting as a career. I will continue to be a part of this amazing organization to encourage girls and women to be firefighters.

Some parting words of wisdom. Always be kind. You never know what someone is going through. As firefighters, we see so many things that most people never do in their lives. I am thankful to this wonderful city that gave me the best career I ever could’ve had. I’ve worked with so many good people who’ve lifted me up when I was down and I hope that I’ve had the chance to do the same for them.”

Thank you, Courtney, for your dedication and commitment to our community. You will no doubt continue to make strides in the profession for young girls and women. Enjoy a much deserved retirement. #COVVCA #COVVFD @VacavilleFireDepartment 

Congratulations to Lieutenant Aaron Dahl on his much-deserved retirement. Following a brief stint with BART Police Department beginning in 1998, Lieutenant Dahl transferred to the City of Vacaville Police Department in 2002. 

"I wanted to be a police officer because I was drawn to the fast-paced excitement of the job.  I enjoyed putting bad guys in jail and having the opportunity to help people and make a positive impact in their lives.

I have many fond memories and have been given the opportunity to do so many different things.  I would have to say the relationship I have built with Padan School and the positive impact I have been able to have in those kids’ lives is my favorite memory.

I plan to enjoy life with my family and friends, move to Tennessee, play golf, fish, and hunt, and most important, never work again.  My parting words of wisdom are a reminder that tomorrow is not a guarantee so live life to the fullest each and every day.  And for those who get to put on this uniform, don’t underestimate the power you have and don't miss out on the opportunities to make a life-changing positive impact in people’s lives!"

Thank you, Aaron!  Your contributions to the community will live on for years to come.  Happy retirement! May your future include all the things you enjoy.  Best of luck with your new adventures.

We wish Ramiro Jimenez, Administrative Manager in the Utilities Department, a wonderful retirement.
 
Ramiro has worked with the City of Vacaville nearly 27 years to the day.  He came to the City after serving in the capacity of Public Works Senior Supervisor and then Administrative Analyst with the City of Sacramento where he began his career in January 1991.
 
"As an Analyst and Manager, no day is ever the same, and I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects and programs along the way. In Vacaville, I have greatly enjoyed engaging with and helping the community, and not to be cliché, but the camaraderie and friendships I have made are very special and will be truly missed above all.
 
To celebrate my retirement, I am planning a month-long trip to Italy.  When I return, I anticipate a lot of organizing, fall cleaning, and finally getting to work on fun projects. Some parting words of wisdom, what we do is pretty special and makes a real difference to our community, whether we hear it or not. Take pride in what you do and do it well. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the ride. The offramp will be here before you know it. Bon voyage!"
 
We wish you all the best in retirement, Ramiro. Arrivederci e buona fortuna. 

Happy retirement to Housing and Community Services Director, Emily Cantu.

Emily started her work with the City of Vacaville more than 24 years ago. Emily studied Sociology at Solano Community College and Cal State Hayward and made the decision that she wanted to work in a field that addresses income disparities in society. Following a period of private sector work, she began her tenure with the City in April 2000, as a Housing Services Eligibility Technician.  

Emily quickly showcased her capabilities, earning multiple promotions. Her passion for assisting our residents and her aptitude for navigating complex housing issues propelled her further to eventually be appointed as Director of Housing & Redevelopment in April 2014. 

"The happiest memories that come to mind are helping others, co-workers, colleagues, and customers including sharing knowledge and mentoring.  Some of my favorite memories involve fun, laughter, and camaraderie, such as volunteering as one of Santa’s Elves, tamale making get togethers, department volunteer projects and luncheons, and enjoying some time away from work with fellow department heads. I am proud of both personal and work-related achievements I have been able to be a part of including: celebrating accomplishments and professional and personal milestones, groundbreakings, grand openings, and internal department celebrations.    

I plan to get some R&R, read for fun, complete some projects at home, take trips on weekdays, spend more time with family, and maybe, later down the line, do a little paid employment. 

Some parting words, keep excellent customer service in mind first with everything you do, and always be kind and helpful to each other and our customers.  Remember to stop now and again to recognize and celebrate all the accomplishments of the work we do.  As City employees, we are very busy and sometimes focus on moving on to the next thing before celebrating what we have done.  We contribute a lot of great things to our community and impact a lot of people through the work that we do, and it’s important to give yourself, and your co-workers, the pat on the back they deserve.

Farewell, Emily, congratulations on your retirement and your wonderful contributions to the vibrant Vacaville community!

We wish Corporal Aaron Love a happy retirement, May 29, 2024.

Following a brief stint as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Sacramento County in 1994, Corporal Love began his career with the City of Vacaville Police Department where he has dedicated his last 27.5 years.  Some of his fondest memories have been spent with the community at Halloween Strolls and Tree Lightings to Fiesta Days and Creekwalk Concert Series and many special events at schools and churches.

Corporal Love chose this career to make a difference in the lives of everyday citizens.  "I had a few incidents in my life when law enforcement came to assist with situations and I was struck by their calm in the chaos and the safety I felt in their presence.  I wanted to be that person for other people.    

My grandmother was one of the first female Police Officers in the City of Redwood City, my mother retired as a Deputy Sheriff Sergeant for Sacramento County, my aunt was an officer for Santa Clara PD, and my cousin recently retired as a Lieutenant from Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. This is a family calling.  

A few parting words of wisdom: Keep a broad view of your career.  Over the course of time, there will be good times and bad times. I’ve found that looking back, the good times FAR outweigh the bad. Invest in relationship building, not only those in your department, but as many city employees as you have the opportunity. The more you know about what others do outside of your circle, the better we can all work together for ‘Vacaville’.      

In retirement, I plan to spend a lot more time flying my airplane, traveling, and teaching."

Corporal Love, Aaron, you came, you succeeded, and now you retire. Well done! May the years ahead be filled with new endeavors and happy adventures.