Posted by Councilmember Englander on December 08, 2017 at 4:06 PM

During a week when fire fighters and first responders from Los Angeles and beyond have been working non-stop to protect lives and property against the Skirball, Creek, Rye, and Thomas fires, it was only fitting that City Council recognize Karen Wagener. It was my honor to join my colleague Councilmember David Ryu and Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas in welcoming Karen to Council and celebrating her incredible career. She has devoted decades to supporting first responders through her work with the LAFD Foundation which is the major source of private support for LAFD providing funding for equipment, training, youth programs, and other services.

Karen served as the President of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation since 2010. She also served as President of the Los Angeles Police Foundation for nine years developing that organization from a start-up into a multi-million dollar foundation. In these roles she has supported the critical functions of these department to help our first responders do the work that protects save lives.

Even though Karen isn't even an employee of the City of Los Angeles, there are few individuals in this city that have had such a dramatic impact. And while she begins a much deserved retirement, everyone who has had the pleasure to work with her knows that she will continue to support our city's first responders.

Her legacy will forever be felt as the foundation she created continues to grow. As a farewell, there is no better retirement present I can imagine than supporting the foundation that is her life's work.