Celebrating the past and future: New fire chief for San Mateo, Belmont, Foster City departments

Keefe’s 29-year career is marked as the only firefighter in the past 40 years who has filled every rank within San Mateo’s department before rising to chief.

“I’ve been just absolutely honored to serve the department and this fire service in our community. It’s a job like no other and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little boy,” Keefe said. “You kind of reach this pinnacle and just being a firefighter in the fire service is amazing. Our ability to help others and serve, then one day to step out of that, it’s hard to do. But it’s time for other people to step up and take the organization [forward].”

Keefe and Healy were joined by their families, former chiefs, police officials and elected officials for the ceremonial presentation of the speaking trumpet — a local relic that dates back to 1893 and the passing of which represents a change in command. At one time, the trumpets were used by officers to help the hand pumpers keep time and is now passed on chief to chief.

Healy, a San Mateo native, said he’s honored to be chosen as the next leader of the cities’ departments and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.

“The best part about it is, you go to work every day not knowing what to expect,” Healy said. “Every day is a new day, you don’t know what you’re going to come across, but at the end of the day you’re going to be able to reflect back and say, ‘I made a positive difference in peoples’ lives.’ That’s the important part.”

Both Healy and Keefe have long-standing careers in fire service. Keefe served three years as chief and is credited with merging the Belmont, Foster City and San Mateo fire departments. Healy started in 1983 as a volunteer firefighter with Foster City and has served the town of Hillsborough as well as Union City before being appointed as San Mateo’s deputy fire chief in 2008.

The men share a sense of civic duty, passion for their jobs as well as families, and have participated in national and regional emergency response teams.

San Mateo’s City Manager Larry Patterson and Mayor Maureen Freschet joked about the fire chief’s responsibilities since the three departments opted to share administrative staff and truck services.

“We’re so grateful for your dedication, your hard work and your many contributions to the citizens of San Mateo as well as Foster City and Belmont. We all know you’ve had the very difficult task of reporting to three bosses and overseeing three departments. A job that requires a great deal of patience, collaboration, fortitude and most certainly, a great sense of humor,” Freschet said to Keefe before recollecting having known Healy as a child.

“In John I see the strong values, respect for others and commitment to his service instilled by his parents. I’m delighted that John has been appointed as our new fire chief and even more delighted that he lives in San Mateo County,” Freschet said. “His deep roots in our community will benefit the fire department and citizens of San Mateo, Belmont and Foster City. There’s no doubt we are in good, capable hands.”

Keefe, who’s worked aside Healy for years, agreed adding, “I just know we’re in great shape. We have great leaders in the organization at every rank. So it’ll be great for me to look back and watch what happens as the organization continues to grow itself.”

Being sure to acknowledge the sacrifices their families have made, Healy and Keefe thanked their wives and children for allowing them to dedicate their lives to the job.

With Thursday marking his last official day, Keefe said he’s looking forward to retirement for one main reason.

“Mostly, spending time with my family. Probably the downside, if any, of the fire service is that we miss a lot of birthdays and holidays and time with family,” Keefe said. “So I’m thrilled just to go home.”