Sacrifice is part of the job description for firefighters.
It's his is first day on the job, and one firefighter already knows all too well the meaning of sacrifice.
Jeff Clet, once the fire chief in San Jose, gave up the top job so his son could join his other family -- the family of firefighters.
The senior Clet pinned his son, Steve, at the graduation ceremony Thursday at San Jose City Hall.
"I don't know what to say. It's the greatest honor for me to have him do something like that," said Steve Clet.
City nepotism law prevented Jeff Clet from keeping his title as chief if he wanted his son to join him on the fire line. So, he asked for a demotion.
The proud father said he didn't think twice about it and humbly downplays the sacrifice.
"This is something every father would do and I couldn't be more happy and more proud," boasted Jeff Clet.
Steve Clet first had to pass the rigorous academy: 16 weeks of grueling work to test his skills. Then there's the pressure of having his father give up his dream job, so Steve could have his own.
On graduation day, both men got their reward.
Now, Steve Clet makes one promise to his hero father.
"Working my butt off, basically, working really hard there's nothing I can say to show how much it meant to me," said Steve Clet.
Steve Clet knows he may one day make his own sacrifice.
But right now, the proud firefighter said it's all about his father for allowing him to become one of San Jose's finest.
Previous Stories:
- July 19, 2006: San Jose Fire Chief To Step Down For Son
