Lifelong Santa Clara County resident Tony Bowden was appointed by the board of supervisors as the county fire department’s new fire chief.
Bowden, who is currently working as the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s Assistant Chief, will begin his new assignment Aug. 13, according to county staff.
“Chief Bowden is a trusted, dedicated leader who knows our county and cares about our residents. I have no doubt that he will maintain the level of excellence that the Santa Clara County Fire Department is known for,” said Supervisor Mike Wasserman.
Bowden began his firefighting career with the Los Altos Fire Department in 1996. He joined the county fire department later the same year when the City of Los Altos and town of Los Altos Hills contracted with the county for services.
Bowden has worked his way up the ranks since then, holding every rank in the organization.
“I look forward to this new opportunity,” Bowden said. “I was born and raised in this community and have worked for the fire department nearly all of my adult life. I am honored the board of supervisors has entrusted me with leading County Fire as we serve the community.”
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides emergency response and preparedness services to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, and the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga.
“County Fire is a unique organization,” Bowden said. “We provide emergency services throughout Santa Clara County, including our recent partnership to assume management of 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.”
As County Fire Chief, Bowden also serves as the Santa Clara County Fire Marshal.
Bowden, a San Jose resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Waldorf University, and is completing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He is a state certified Fire Officer, Chief Officer and Fire Instructor.
Bowden will replace County Fire Chief Kenneth R. Kehmna, who will be retired as of Aug. 12 after more than 30 years of service.
County staff did not immediately provide Bowden’s salary details. Kehmna received a salary of $259,213 in 2016, according to the website transparentcalifornia.com. Kehmna also received benefits worth about $125,429 in 2016.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Fire Department, visit www.sccfd.org.
