Clearfield honors two retiring firefighters for decades of service

Clearfield City Council on a ceremonial evening honored two long-serving firefighters, Fire Chief Mark Weeks and Darren Coleman, who together represent decades of service to Clearfield and the North Davis Fire District.

Council member Rachford introduced the retirees and invited each to speak. Chief Weeks reflected on 36 years in the fire service and recounted early shifts when he sometimes responded alone, then helped build training standards that strengthened interagency cooperation. "A lot of things have changed since then," Weeks said, noting the department's growth to more than 50 members and the challenges of merging personnel and assets across districts.

Darren Coleman described beginning his career when the station had three daytime staff and being part of Clearfield's first EMT class. "We went from responding to 300 calls a year to 4,500," Coleman said, calling out the increased medical training for newer personnel.

Council read biographical summaries and presented tokens of appreciation to the retirees and their families. Mayor Shepherd, joining remotely, thanked both men for their service and noted the loss of institutional knowledge their departures represent. Council members and North Davis Fire colleagues praised the retirees' mentorship and operational leadership.

The council framed the recognition as a community celebration rather than a policy action; no formal motions were required beyond standard meeting business. The meeting proceeded to awards and staff reports after the tributes.