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...
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