A SWEET SHOW OF APPRECIATION

Retiring Vacaville police Chief John Carli brought donuts to the Boys & Girls Club and was feted in return

He had them at donuts. Cradling three bakery boxes of cake donuts, regular donuts and bars, all covered in chocolate or maple or sprinkles or a combination, retiring Vacaville police Chief John Carli received the warmest of welcomes Wednesday at the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club.

“I don’t think you’ll like these,” he joked, the sweet aroma of baked goods beckoning the children. “It’s been my favorite my whole career.”

Carli sits on the Club’s board and, as part of its “Fund the Fun” fundraiser, had him delivering the tempting treats when donations reached $1,000.

Carli offered his appreciation to all present, for being a part of his life.

“Thank you for everything you do to learn,” he said to the kids.

“And thank you for everything you do to make things happen,” he said, addressing Anna Eaton, the club’s CEO and executive director.

“It’s been a treat for us, but it’s been sweet having you on the Board of Directors,” she replied, giving him a hug and handing him a plaque of appreciation.

It was an honor he hadn’t expected, though he spied the recognition as he placed his precious burden on a table bedecked with royal blue and silver star-shaped mylar balloons.

Neither did he expect all the rounds of thank yous for his service to the community for more than three decades and to the club, as well.

He spent the next handfuls of minutes sharing knowledge with the youths and answering all of their questions.

Asked about his job, he said it makes you a better person as you learn how to better get along with people, how to be of help to others.

“That’s what I enjoyed in my career, is helping people,” he emphasized.

A little girl asked if it was OK to interrupt a police officer during the course of his or her duty.

“You know, you can always stop a police officer and ask for help,” the chief said.

Asked if the department had a helicopter, he answered in the negative.

“We have little helicopters called drones,” he offered.

Asked when he began his career, his answer, “1989,” floored the kids, who gave a chorus of “whoas.”

His scariest call involved fire.

“Because I’m a police officer, not a firefighter,” he explained.

The weirdest call involved a guy with a stolen owl.

“When you don’t know much about owls, you don’t want to get that close to them,” he advised.

His favorite assignment was as a K-9 officer because, well, dogs.

Though he retires soon, Carli said he plans to maintain a presence in the community.

He loves it, he said, it’s where he’s worked and raised his family.

“I will continue to work in the community and make it a better place,” he pledged.

To learn more about the Club or the “Fund the Fun” fundraiser, visit www.vnbgc.com.

JOEL ROSENBAUM — THE REPORTER Retiring stctville Police Chief, John Ctrli spetks with kids of the stctville Boys tnd Girls Club ednesdty tfter he delivered donuts to them. After dropping off the ttsty tretts, Ctrli hung tround tnd tnswered questions tbout his 32-yetr ctreer in ltw enforcement.

The kids of the Vacaville Boys and Girls Club pepper retiring Vacaville Police Chief John Carli with questions about his career in law enforcement Wednesday at the Trower Center. Carli who was also on the Board of Directors for the club was honored for his service. He also brought donuts for the kids and the staff.

PHOTOS BY JOEL ROSENBAUM — THE REPORTER Anna Eaton, CEO of the Vacaville Boys and Girls Club (left) thanks retiring Vacaville Police Chief, John Carli for his dedication to the organization after he stopped by the Trower Center to deliver donuts to the kids. Carli severed on the Board of Directors and will be stepping down.