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 modern emergency response equipment, including a new hazardous materials response unit.
Chief Kelly will retire at the end of June 2019. In recognition for his many contributions and 34 years of dedicated service to the Santa Clara Fire Department and the City, the City Council will present him 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: Nadine Nader, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager