-----Original Message-----
From: Cap Pennell
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 17:00 PM
To: family and friends
Subject: Cap retired


Yes, I finally retired from the State of California, Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).  My last day on the books was August
4, 2002, a few days after my 52nd birthday.  I was working my 34th
wildland fire season, with 32 years of service as a full-time CDF
firefighter.  I've been a Fire Captain for the last 22 years.  Through the
most recent 17 years I led CDF Firecrews, ICS Type 1 15-person handcrews
of young male criminal firefighters from Ben Lomond CDF-CYA Camp.
http://www.fire.ca.gov/FireEmergencyResponse/CooperativeEfforts/camp.asp
I drove CDF emergency fire vehicles throughout California routinely and
responding to emergencies for more than 28 years.  I've worked hundreds of
fires but never had a reportable vehicle accident that was my fault, and
nobody on my crews ever had a serious burn injury.  I've had a lot of fun
though.  Did I ever tell you about the time...  <grin>
I'm proud of my service rendered to the people and natural resources of
California.

But enough.

Elaine and I decided to make the leap and try something different.  We'd
been talking about it with anticipation for many months.  It's a good time
for us.

They tell me retirement isn't the end of work, only a _change_ of work.
They say we should take a couple years off and think it over.  That's the
plan.  We're both healthy and ready to start a new life.

We hope to do some small vacation travels and add a couple rooms onto our
house.

Fortunately, our house in Santa Cruz is now paid off.  We have 4 chickens
and two cats, Henry and Amy.  Cap's mother Nancy and stepfather Andy,
sister Francie with brother-in-law Peter and nephew David, brother Jim,
and stepbrother John all live near Santa Cruz.  Elaine's sister Arline
lives in Quincy with her family.  Elaine's two sons, Tom 34 and Erik 30,
who live in Boulder Creek and Citrus Heights respectively, are taking care
of themselves.  Elaine's son Erik has a 6 year old son of his own,
Elaine's grandson Chase.  Chase stayed with us for 10 days and during my
last work week he, Elaine, and I enjoyed one final ride on the fire
engine.

I just wanted you to know we're tickled.

Love, Cap (and Elaine)