Fire Captain Receives Second Firefighter of the Year Honor

Not that it's becoming old hat, but for the second time in his decade with the department, Jason Clements has been named Coronado's Firefighter of the Year.

No, he's not taking the award, presented by last month, for granted. Clements, who has been a captain for four years, has spent the past year working on administrative projects needed by the city.

They are things some would find tedious, but he embraces them. One especially important task: Helping train new firefighters – the department has had four positions open up in two years  – and improve the skills of veterans seeking promotions.

The tests, he said, force firefighters to juggle more than they likely would be called to do at a scene. 

“The idea is, if you're used to performing at a very high level,” Clements said, “if you go to a fire it should be a little easier.”

By the time Clements was 19, he wanted to be a firefighter. He served as a paramedic first and as a volunteer with Mount Laguna Fire/Rescue before landing a slot with Coronado's department. 

His first major test: In his second year on the job, he was sent to help the phalanx of firefighters battling the massive Cedar Fire. “A fire like that, there's no preparing for it,” he said.

As he has watched longtime chiefs and captains retire, he has enjoyed filling the role that they played for him – mentor and guide.

“I got the award for doing stuff I want to do, basically,” he said.