Draper, Utah - The Draper City Council appointed Clint Smith as the fire chief of the new formed Draper City Fire Department. The appointment came during the Sept. 20 city council meeting. 

The city council voted to leave the Unified Fire Authority (UFA) on Aug. 16, deciding instead to form the city’s own fire department. 

Mayor Troy Walker presented Smith to the city council and the public.

“As I undertook my personal research of who I believed would be a right fit and the right person I felt to lead this new department, when I talked to people who were qualified and who I trusted, Clint’s name came up every single time without me having to say who I was thinking of,” Walker said. “Clint came to my mind relatively quickly.”

Walker described Smith as uniquely qualified, having experience in firefighting. He currently works for UFA. He has also had political experience, serving as the interim mayor of Herriman for a few months. 

“I like the fact he knows what it means to tell us how much money he needs and he knows what it means to come up with the money he needs,” Walker said. “I think he has unique experience that will lend itself to a good fire department.”

When Walker first met Smith, Walker said Smith asked why he was chosen. Walker said there were three reasons why.

“One, I like your political experience. You’ve been on both sides of the aisle. Two, you come highly, highly recommended,” Walker said. “And three, you’re a Smith, which means to me you know how to work. I know your dad and I don’t know if I know a harder-working man.”

Walker also mentioned Smith is from Draper and that will allow him to care the most about making the Draper Fire Department the absolute best. 

Smith addressed the mayor and council, thanking Walker for his kind words. 

“It is certainly not lost on me the trust and responsibility that you entrust to me as we take this important step forward,” Smith said. 

Smith described himself as a firefighter, starting his career in 1993 in Draper as a volunteer firefighter. After he became an emergency medical technician, he said he fell in love with the job and it’s been his passion for the past 21 years. 

“I’m excited to take this step together with you and with this community to build something that is very, very special,” Smith said. “Draper is my hometown. My roots run very, very deep here and I have an intense love for this community. I’m extremely humbled that you’ve chosen me to lead this charge as we move forward.”

Councilwoman Marsha Vawdrey said she was thrilled with Walker’s recommendation. 

“Clint has great credentials but I personally have great confidence in him and I’m really happy Clint was willing to go on this journey with us,” Vawdrey said.