April 1, 2004

Following in a father’s footsteps

New San Jose Fire Chief sworn in

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Although he took command of the San Jose Fire Department on March 15, March 30 will go down as especially significant to newly appointed Fire Chief Jeffrey L. Clet, who was sworn in during a City Council meeting at City Hall. It is a position his father, Vince Clet assumed on the same day exactly 26 years ago.

In a heartwarming presentation, retired Chief Clet pinned the same badge on his son that he wore during his reign as Chief, signifying a second generation of Clet leaders for the San Jose Fire Department.

“I can’t tell you how proud and honored his mother and I are on this day,” commented an emotional Vince Clet, who credited his wife with their son’s many attributes. “In public service, the selection process is based solely on merit and it’s rare indeed that a child follow a parent up through the ranks in the fire department. The citizens of San Jose will be well served by his leadership.”

“The San Jose Fire Department has a long history of excellence and leadership,” said Mayor Ron Gonzales. “This is the result of a long tradition of leadership that has made our fire department one of the best in the nation. I am proud that our new chief is a product of this department. He learned it from the ground up. It’s a family tradition—from father to son. I am confident that, like his father, Chief Clet will demonstrate the pride, honor and skills needed to lead the San Jose Fire Department into the future.”

A 20-year veteran of the department, Clet leaves his position as Gilroy’s Fire Chief to assume his new leadership role, bringing with him a plethora of experience as Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Field Operations, Paramedic Program, Bureau of Fire Prevention, Bureau of Support Services, Hazardous Materials Program, and 911 communications.

Clet is credited with being instrumental in spearheading San Jose’s Supplemental Transport Ambulance Resource (STAR) Program—the first in the state, and chaired the Statewide EMS Authority System Access Committee, which paved the way for more comprehensive medical dispatch standards in California.

“I feel a deep sense of pride in returning to lead the department that I spent more than 21 years of my life serving,” Clet replied. “I couldn’t have asked for a more open and supportive acceptance back into the department. I promise you from the bottom of my heart, I will do everything in my power to not let anybody down.”