Santa Clara County Fire Department Chief Kenneth R. Kehmna will retire on Aug. 12 after almost 31 years of service, much of it during some of the most devastating fires in the area. Under Kehmna’s leadership, Santa Clara County firefighters responded to the 2018 Tubbs Fire in Napa and Sonoma counties, the 2016 Loma Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2016 Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, and the 2008 Summit Fire in Santa Clara County.
During the Aug. 1 Saratoga City Council meeting, Kehmna was recognized for his service to the city. In the recognition, the city noted that his leadership of the Santa Clara County Fire Department saved lives, extinguished and prevented fires, and educated community members. On June 7, the city of Campbell and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recognized Kehmna as well.
During his tenure, some of it as the Santa Clara County area fire and rescue mutual aid coordinator, neighboring fire departments benefited from his collaboration.