TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo City Council on Wednesday recognized WTOL 11's Paul Kwapich for his four decades of dedication to journalism in the city as he prepares to retire at the end of the year.
"Paul's influence has been described as immeasurable and he is considered not only a mentor but a trailblazer in photojournalism, instilling in team members the importance of capturing not only images, but stories," said council Clerk Julie Gibbons, reading the resolution honoring Kwapich. "With a commitment to excellence in both technical skills and storytelling, Paul has been a conduit through which many have witnessed some of the most pivotal moments throughout the region and across the nation."
These moments include, but are not limited to, the historic move of Jeep to north Toledo, the devastating 2014 Toledo water crisis, multiple Flag City Honor Flight trips, presidential visits, the Pope’s visit to America and space shuttle launches.
Those many moments have come with plenty of awards for his work, too. He has been named Photographer of the Year three times by the Ohio News Photographers Association and received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for a moving story on veterans.
Of few words and with a preference for being behind a camera, Kwapich accepted the recognition for his work while thanking his family in attendance, who made sure he didn't know about the surprise honor until it happened.
"I appreciate this more than you know," he said.
An impressive photojournalist to viewers, Kwapich is that and a leader at the WTOL 11 newsroom.