REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Volunteer Battalion Chief Kent Clerk and his wife Barbara Clerk for 30 years of service with the Santa Clara Fire Department
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Fire Department Volunteer Reserve Division serves as a supplemental resource to the Fire Department’s Suppression Division, and has been retained as a viable part of the City’s firefighting and emergency response force. The Santa Clara Fire Department Volunteer Reserve Division is comprised of over 60 individuals in six companies. Reserves respond directly to incidents in their own vehicles, as well as work alongside Santa Clara firefighters at fires and other emergency responses.
Volunteer Reserve Battalion Chief Kent Clerk has been a Volunteer for the past 30 years.
DISCUSSION
Kent and Barbara Clerk are a team of Santa Clara volunteers that together have enhanced the quality of life for many Santa Clara citizens. Through their commitment to volunteerism and public service, they have increased public safety and emergency preparedness in our city, raised funds for local charities, and encouraged others to volunteer their time to help others.
The Clerks began their community service work when Kent joined the Volunteer division of the Santa Clara Fire Department in 1988. Kent quickly rose through its ranks, reaching the position of Volunteer Battalion Chief, the highest rank in the Volunteer Division. Kent directs the activities of 60 dedicated volunteer firefighters, who work alongside full-time firefighters to provide emergency service. These volunteers also provide over 5,000 hours of community service each year. Barbara contributes many hours in support of the Volunteer Division, and in doing so, has become extremely knowledgeable of the department’s 160-year history. This led to the establishment of the Santa Clara Fire Museum, which has added cultural value to our community and has provided our citizens an opportunity to learn the rich history of the department and city.
Kent and Barbara Clerk have demonstrated significant leadership in the area of public service to our community, and through their efforts have made life better for many Santa Clarans. Through their dedicated work, the Clerks are deserving of this recognition.
In recognition of Kent and Barbara Clerk’s 30 years of dedicated work in the Volunteer Division of the Santa Clara Fire Department and in the Santa Clara community, the Mayor and Council will honor the Clerks with a City Proclamation.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: William G. Kelly, Fire Chief
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager