| ANAHEIM, CA - (May 27, 2008) - Monsignor John Sammon was honored today with the seventh star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars. Hundreds of active and retired firefighters and police officers joined Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, the Anaheim City Council and city leaders as Msgr. Sammon’s niece, Donna Ryan, accepted the star for her late uncle. Anaheim Fire Chief Roger Smith, retired Los Angeles City Deputy Fire Chief Bill Goss, and Father Steve Sallot spoke words of remembrance and gratitude for the chaplain whose life’s work was to support and encourage the men and women of the Orange and Los Angeles County fire and police departments.
“Mgsr. Sammon was a man whom many people knew and loved,” said Mayor Pringle. “We were honored by his presence, kindness and dedication to the community, in particular to the men and women of the Orange County and Los Angeles County fire and police departments. It is fitting that he is recognized today, and will forever be remembered by all who visit the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars.” In 1976 Msgr. Sammon was appointed the first vicar for pastoral and community affairs, the same year the Diocese of Orange was established. Through his efforts, a monument to honor firefighters was erected at the Santa Ana Civic Center. In addition to police and fire departments, Msgr. Sammon served as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, the Rams football team and many other Orange County organizations. For more than 30 years, Msgr. Sammon worked for the Diocese of Orange, served as chaplain, and was often referred to as the “hero’s hero.” He kept a police and fire scanner in his car and would often show up at the site of an incident. His presence at many scenes put firefighters at ease. Even when he was unable to drive, Msgr. Sammon remained dedicated to his work by praying at fire academy graduations, meetings and memorials. Since his passing in 2006 at the age of 90, Msgr. Sammon has been remembered and recognized on several occasions. The Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars honors visionary leaders, entertainers and entrepreneurs who have made a positive national and international impact on Anaheim and throughout Orange County. Additional information on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars, including how to sponsor a star, is available at www.anaheim.net. Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060 more city news
### ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net. |