Resolution 220587

..Title Honoring Dann Cuellar, on the occasion of his retirement, for 34 years of excellence in broadcast and digital journalism at 6abc Action News on Philadelphia's WPVI-TV. ..Body WHEREAS, After 34 years in broadcast and digital journalism, Dann Cuellar is retiring from bringing the latest news and information to the Delaware Valley; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cuellar grew up in Victoria, Texas and studied communications at Victoria College. In 1974, he joined KTXN Classical Hour, first part-time, and eventually full-time; and WHEREAS, In 1975, he moved to KVIC AM Victoria as a DJ and was also responsible for delivering news and weather. In 1976, he joined KXIX-TV where he worked as a reporter, editor and a cameraman for 2 1/2 years. From 1978-1983, he was a reporter and anchor at CBS KHOU-TV Channel 11 in Houston, before moving to KMOL in San Antonio for the next five years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cuellar joined 6abc Action News on Philadelphia's WPVI-TV as a reporter in 1988, beginning his long and celebrated career in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, He was quick to cover any event that impacted Philadelphians, keeping us informed for decades. He reported on severe weather events from snowstorms, to heat waves to hurricanes, and he was there for all our favorite sports moments over the past three decades - including the Phillies 2008 World Series championship and the Eagles winning Super Bowl LII; and WHEREAS, His dedication to his profession showed through his hard and news breaking work. Mr. Cuellar was the first to report that the Maryland Sniper suspects had been identified, confirming their names, and the make, model and tags of the car they were believed to be driving; and WHEREAS, At Action News, Mr. Cuellar has covered many major news events that spanned beyond Philadelphia, including the terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001 on the World Trade Center in New York, the massacre at Columbine High School, The Waco Siege, and the Oklahoma City bombing on the Murrah Federal building; and WHEREAS, He has also traveled the world reporting and covering major global conflicts including the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the conflict in Bosnia, the American Intervention in Haiti, and most recently the latest conflict in Iraq. Mr. Cuellar was even onboard the "Freedom Flight" to Kuwait after the country was liberated from Saddam Hussein; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cuellar's career has been honored by many and November 18, 2011, Dann Cuellar was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame"; and WHEREAS, The purpose of journalism is to provide and empower citizens with the knowledge and information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cuellar has been keeping the greater Philadelphia public informed of important news for over three decades, and his professionalism and passion will be sorely missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Dann Cuellar, on the occasion of his retirement, for 34 years of excellence in broadcast and digital journalism at 6abc Action News on Philadelphia's WPVI-TV. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dann Cuellar as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation, and commendation on this momentous occasion. ..End