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Source: Cal Fire
October 23, 2023 (El Cajon) - – The California State Senate, California Department of Transportation, and California firefighters have teamed up to recognize the accomplishments of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Division Chief William “Bill” Clayton, by renaming a section of Interstate 5 in his honor.
Division Chief Bill Clayton was one of the most decorated Firefighters in CAL FIRE history, twice being awarded the Medal of Valor— the state's highest award for bravery —in addition to a long list of citations for courage and life-saving service to his fellow Californians. For the better part of 40 years, he fought countless devastating wildfires across California and the western United States, focusing most of his efforts on defending San Diego County and numerous Southern California communities.
Chief Clayton grew up in San Diego as the son of a fire chief and graduated from Oceanside High School and San Diego State University. His crowning achievement during a storied career as a firefighter was a leading role in the defense of San Diego during the 2003 Cedar Fire, at the time one of the most destructive fires ever to strike Southern California. Then-President George W. Bush consulted Chief Clayton on the federal response to the fires. For his selfless, exceptional efforts in defending the lives and homes of his fellow citizens—including a daring rescue at a north county casino under threat from the fire—Chief Clayton was awarded his second Medal of Valor, which was presented personally by then-Governor Schwarzenegger.
In 2021, the California Senate passed, and Governor Newsom signed, Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 authorizing the renaming of the section of Interstate 5 between La Costa Avenue and Cannon Road in honor of Chief Clayton. Chief Clayton's achievements in defending the life, property, and natural environment of his fellow Californians are emblematic of the dedication and tireless service the men and women of CAL FIRE perform every year. In an average year, CAL FIRE responds to half a million emergencies, extinguishes thousands of wildfires, contain hundreds of thousands of acres destroyed by fire, and--sadly--loses some of its best in those fights.
Friends and family gathered on October 16th in Carlsbad within sight of the highway to be renamed in his honor. The 16th, which would have been Chief Clayton’s 83rd birthday and is almost 20 years to the day since the Cedar Fire, is a fitting date to honor his decades of service to California, and Californians.
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