“I appreciate the honor,” said Cpt. Campos, “and accept this on behalf of all firefighters; it’s a group effort and we’re here to serve all the citizens of Santa Paula and the city.”Glen City School Principal Norah Byrom noted that she and Teacher of the Month Karen Kelley are “thrilled with your recognition. . .”Kelley grew up in Moorpark and was educated at California State University at Northridge but always found time to pursue her passion for horses and equestrian competitions.Kelley has competed in team roping, pining and barrel racing in the Ventura County Fair and Santa Barbara Fiesta, winning “many belt buckles,” noted Byrom.Kelley is in her fifth year of teaching Glen City second grade students: “There are fine teachers, there are good teaches and there are great teachers. Karen is one of the finest. A great teacher is someone who is on a quest, never satisfied with what is accomplished,” as an educator. Instead, a great teacher always is “looking for something to inspire their students, are confident,” in their students’ abilities and finds “creative and innovative ways,” and the best strategies of how to teach children.Kelley credits her own soccer coach and other teachers for her own strengths and when it comes to the students, “she always likes to see them smile. . .I urge and challenge you to come and spend 10 minutes in her room; it will inspire you,” said Byrom.“I thank you so much, it’s an honor and a pleasure,” said Kelley. “. . .we have the most wonderful principals at our schools; they make it happen because of their dedication to the children.”Santa Paula Chevrolet sponsors the Public Safety Officer and Teacher of the Month awards.
Good Morning Santa Paula: SPFD Cpt. Campos, Glen City School teacher Kelley honored
December 26, 2001
Santa Paula News
A dedicated firefighter and teacher were honored after a musical holiday interlude at the Chamber of Commerce December Good Morning Santa Paula! held at Logsdon’s at the Airport.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA dedicated firefighter and teacher were honored after a musical holiday interlude at the Chamber of Commerce December Good Morning Santa Paula! held at Logsdon’s at the Airport.The monthly informational breakfast meeting was hosted by Jim McCoy and McCoy’s Automotive.GMSP! got off to a musical start with the caroling of Donna Nelson & The Half Notes, who set the tone for the holidays with Christmas favorites.Interim Fire Chief Rick Araiza introduced Captain Dan Campos, the Public Safety Officer of the Month, noting“It really gives me great pleasure to present this award to Cpt. Campos,” who started with the Santa Paula Fire Department in 1988 as a paid-call volunteer, said IFC Araiza.A city native, Cpt. Campos didn’t waste time signing up with the department after graduating from Santa Paula High School; he built a solid response record with the department and rose through the ranks of volunteer paid-call firefighters.IFC Araiza said Cpt. Campos became one of the SPFD’s full-time captains in the mid-1990s and now is in charge of the important breathing apparatus for the department, including making sure existing equipment is operational while upgrading same.“Cpt. Campos also was involved in the purchase of the department’s new engine,” which IFC Araiza noted had been made possible by a grant spearheaded by Rep. Elton Gallegly; he invited the GMSP! crowd to stop by and see at Fire Station #1, as “Cpt. Campos has done a tremendous job getting that engine into shape.”
