By Khalida Sarwari
Tony Bowden has been promoted to fire chief of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The former assistant chief replaces outgoing fire chief Ken Kehmna, who is retiring after nearly three decades with the department.
Bowden’s first day at the helm is Monday, but he had ideas right out of the gate, such as one about the county’s 911 Communications Center.
“Upgrading the center’s critical infrastructure, as well as other department facilities will be my near-term focus to ensure we can continue to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve,” he said in a press statement Thursday.
Deputy Chief John Justice was named the county’s new assistant fire chief.
Kehmna, who started his career nearly 31 years ago with the then Campbell Fire Department, notified his employees of his retirement in April and said while his decision wasn’t easy, it was the right one to make.
“I wholeheartedly feel the department is on stable footing for a transition of leadership,” he said.
Bowden was born and raised in Santa Clara County and began his career with the Los Altos Fire Department in 1996, which merged with the county fire department that same year. Since then, he has held every rank in the organization.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Waldorf University and is completing a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Bowden’s appointment by the county board of supervisors was announced Thursday morning. Supervisor Mike Wasserman described the new fire chief as a trusted and dedicated leader.
“I have no doubt that he will maintain the level of excellence that the Santa Clara County Fire Department is known for,” he said in the press statement.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides emergency response and preparedness services to unincorporated areas of the county and the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga.
As fire chief, Bowden will also serve as the county’s fire marshal.
