TOLEDO, Ohio — After an extraordinary 42-year career in photojournalism, Paul Kwapich is retiring from WTOL 11.
A proud graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School and the University of Toledo, Kwapich began his career at WTOL 11 in 1982, joining the station as a production engineer.
Over the years, Paul’s roles evolved within the station, as he took on positions including floor director, director, news photographer and chief photographer. His leadership ultimately led him to the role of news operations manager, where he worked tirelessly for the last eight years of his career to ensure the smooth operation of the newsroom.
As chief photographer and news operations manager, Paul’s influence on the newsroom is immeasurable. He is not only a mentor but a trailblazer in photojournalism, helping to guide an entire generation of journalists. Throughout the years, he's instilled in his team the importance of capturing not just images but stories — emotionally compelling narratives that resonate with viewers. His commitment to excellence, both in technical skill and storytelling, raised the bar for those who followed in his footsteps.
Throughout his career, Paul was a trusted witness to some of the most pivotal moments in the region and nation. His camera captured the heart of key events, from the historic move of Jeep to north Toledo, to the devastating 2014 Toledo water crisis. He also covered Flag City Honor Flight trips, presidential visits, the Pope’s visit to America and even space shuttle launches. His work chronicled history, and he did so with a deep respect for the people involved, capturing the human side of every story.
Paul’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Photographer of the Year three times by the Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA). He also received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for a moving story on veterans. These honors reflect not only his technical skill but his ability to convey emotion and significance through the lens.
At WTOL 11, Paul is widely known as someone who leads by example. He never shied away from taking on any project, no matter the scale or the time of day, always with a spirit of dedication and passion. His legacy will live on in the work of the many journalists he mentored and inspired over the years. Thank you, Paul, and congratulations!
