WHEREAS, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department (TFRD) Firefighter John Franklin Repp, Sr. was a WWII and Korean Conflict veteran, Toledo firefighter for 28 years until retirement, and after retirement, served as a volunteer with the Toledo Firefighters Museum; and
WHEREAS, he passed on March 2, 2022; and was born to Dr. Dale E. and Caroline R. Repp, on May 21, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio; he graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1944; he then joined the Army Air Force where he served in the 13th Air Force in the South Pacific as a Flight Engineer/Crew Chief on a B-17 in the 2nd Emergency Air/Sea Rescue Squad, rescuing down fliers; he returned to duty during the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, he was appointed to Toledo Fire and Rescue Department on May 1, 1953; he proudly wore badge 277 and was stationed at Stations 1, 7, 14, 19 and 23 and earned the Lucas County Safety Council’s Hero Award on November 1, 1965, for saving a man trapped in a cement silo; and
WHEREAS, after 28 years, Firefighter Repp retired on August 1, 1982, from the Toledo Fire and Rescue; after retirement, he volunteered at the Toledo Fire Museum, serving much of his time as the Curator; in May of 2016, he received the John Brancheau Presidents Award and later the Fire Safety Award from the “Sons of the American Revolution” and the Certificate of Appreciation from the Zenobia Shrine; and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2011, Firefighter Repp, along with his guide, Jeff Snyder, had the privilege to attend an Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C.; he expressed what a humbling day it was for him and an experience that was almost beyond description; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the John F. Repp, Sr. Award was established to honor a person who exhibits Dedication, Spirit, and Commitment to the betterment of the Toledo Fire Department; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That we remember and honor Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Firefighter, John Franklin Repp, Sr. for his dedication to the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, City of Toledo, his family and his friends.
SECTION 2. That, in honor of WWII and Korean Conflict veteran and 28 yearlong Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Firefighter John Franklin Repp, Sr.’s exemplary service to the Toledo community and post-retirement dedication to the historic preservation of his profession, along with all of the men and women of the TFRD who similarly dedicate their service to the Toledo community, the intersection of West Sylvania and Peak Avenues is officially designated as “Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Firefighter John Franklin Repp, Sr. Memorial Place”.
SECTION 3. That street marker signs at the intersection of West Sylvania and Peak Avenues, in addition to contemporary standard uniform inscriptions, also carry the abbreviated sub-inscription, “JOHN F REPP, SR, PL”.
SECTION 4. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.