REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of William G. Kelly, Fire Chief
Report
BACKGROUND
Chief William G. Kelly has served the Santa Clara Fire Department for over 34 years. He began his career in 1982 as a volunteer reserve firefighter. The department hired him as a full-time employee in 1984, and he steadily rose through the ranks until he was appointed Fire Chief in January 2012 as the City's 6th Fire Chief. Throughout his career with the Fire Department, Chief Kelly has provided innovative and dedicated leadership that has positively impacted the entire organization. He has worked to increase overall emergency preparedness, public education and outreach, agency collaboration, and more. His leadership has helped shape the Santa Clara Fire Department into a dependable, community-based service that provides safety and support for the people of Santa Clara.
DISCUSSION
Chief Kelly is a leader who transformed the Fire Department into an innovative organization. From achieving international accreditation from the Commission for Fire Accreditation International to increasing Santa Clara's readiness for large scale emergency operations through the Office of Emergency Services, Chief Kelly's strategic mindset has benefited not only the Fire Department and the City of Santa Clara, but the entire community. He also led the Fire Department's 5-year strategic plan (2017-2021) to align with City Council goals and completed a detailed Standards of Cover process which produces data to effectively analyze risk and align resources to adequately provide fire services to the community. He also led the effort to enhance the Office of Emergency Services, including a capital refurbishment of the Emergency Operations Center. In addition, he increased community preparedness through expanded CPR training, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participation and establishing an annual fire prevention education open house. He replaced an aging emergency vehicle fleet with moder...
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