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New Clovis Top Cop: 'I Have Greatest Job in the Nation'
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 6 years ago on
August 6, 2019

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First, Curt Fleming’s wife, Jackie, and their 9-year-old son, Aiden, pinned on his badge.
Then, by raising his right hand and swearing an oath to protect and serve, Fleming took his place as the Clovis chief of police at a ceremony Monday at police headquarters.
It’s a promotion for Fleming, who most recently served as a captain in the department.
“I have the greatest job in the nation,” he told his colleagues, family, and other well-wishers.
Fleming said he doesn’t plan to make any major changes to the department.
“Clovis is already a great department. Really, just small tweaks here and there,” Fleming said. “I will do everything I can to maintain the culture of our department, the service we provide to our citizens.”

Fleming’s Background

Fleming, a Bullard High School and Fresno State graduate, started his law enforcement career with the Fresno Police Department in 1999. He took a job with Clovis in 2006 and received promotions to corporal (2012), sergeant (2013), lieutenant (2015), and captain (2018).
During his Clovis tenure, Fleming oversaw many different parts of the department, most recently patrol, records and communications.
Fleming now heads a staff of 200, with a $40 million annual budget.
He replaces Matt Basgall, who retired Friday after five years as chief. City manager Luke Serpa appointed Fleming to the position June 14.

City Growth the Biggest Challenge

While Fleming plans to keep the status quo on police service, he recognized the challenges his department faces as the city grows. More housing developments are approved every month.
“Our city is growing so fast. Our department is not really able to keep up with that growth,” Fleming said. He did say they have enough officers to patrol, with four vacancies.
Fleming said the way to tackle policing shortage is using technology. He noted his department uses 450 police cameras in the city to monitor the high-traffic area, as well as the number of festivals and special events there. He said it is important to use all policing tools in the light of last weekend’s mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
That includes using large police vehicles and metal poles as blockade devices.

Six Years, At Least

The four most recent Clovis police chiefs lasted an average of five years. Serpa, the man in charge of hiring the new chief, had an explanation.
“It’s a high-demand job,” Serpa said. “I’m sure after five years, they’re exhausted.”
When asked about his outlook, Fleming answered he will be on the job as long as he is capable and wants to leave Clovis in good hands. He did say he hopes to lead the department a minimum of six-plus years, when he turns 50.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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