City Of Claremont: City Announces Captain Aaron Fate As New Police Chief

Press release from the City of Claremont:

11/01/2021 2:45 PM

On Monday, November 1, 2021, City Manager Adam Pirrie announced the appointment of Captain Aaron Fate as the new Chief of Police for the City of Claremont. Captain Fate will assume the duties of Chief on November 11, 2021 following the retirement of Shelly Vander Veen.

 “In the 23 years that Captain Fate has been with the Claremont Police Department, he has displayed the experience, temperament, and knowledge of the community that will make for a seamless transition of leadership,” said City Manager Adam Pirrie.

 Captain Fate began his career with the Claremont Police Department in 1999 when he was hired as a police officer. Upon his hiring, Captain Fate was sent to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Academy where he graduated at the top of his class. 

 Over his 23 years with the Claremont Police Department, he has worked a variety of assignments including Explorer Post advisor, field training officer, motor officer, DARE officer, and Detective. As a Sergeant, he was entrusted with the responsibility of being the Support Services Division manager overseeing the Records, Communications, and Jail Bureaus. As a Lieutenant, he served as a Watch Commander.

 In 2016, he was promoted to Captain where he oversaw the Operations Division along with holding the responsibilities of budget, program, and policy management. As Captain, he conducted outreach to businesses on crime prevention, led training for the Citizen’s Academy and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and managed community crime prevention programs.

 “Before becoming a Council Member, I served on the Police Commission for four years. Aaron was one of the first members of the Police Department that I met and I was instantly impressed with his professionalism, calm demeanor, and ability to connect with the community,” stated Council Member Ed Reece. “I know he will do an excellent job as our next Chief.”

 Captain Fate has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and earned certificates from the POST Institute of Criminal Investigation, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), and Command College Program where he earned the Dorothy Harris Award of Excellence. 

 He was selected by his peers as the Police Officer of the Year in 2006 and was selected as Supervisor of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2016. Captain Fate has been recognized with the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal, and the Police Excellence award. In 2006, he was awarded the City Manager’s Award of Excellence, and in 2016, he was recognized as the City’s Management Employee of the Year.

 From 2009 to 2016 he served as the Police Department’s liaison for the Committee for Safe and Healthy Housing Program, developing stronger lines of communication between the Police Department and those residing in and managing multi-family residential complexes. As part of the Claremont Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, he provided education to apartment residents, managers, and concerned citizens.   His efforts resulted in a 50 percent reduction in crime at the 32 apartment complexes in the city by 2015.

“Captain Fate represents the very best in law enforcement. Over the years, he has proven to have the perfect balance of professionalism, leadership, and caring needed for Claremont,” said Mayor Jennifer Stark.

 Captain Fate will be installed as the Chief of Police at a Badge Ceremony on Monday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton in Claremont. The event is open to the public.

This press release was produced by the City of Claremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.