Capt. Aaron Fate Named As Claremont's Next Chief Of Police

CLAREMONT, CA — City officials announced Monday that Capt. Aaron Fate will take over as Claremont’s next chief of police when Shelly Vander Veen retires on Nov. 11.

Fate spent more than 20 years with the Claremont Police Department and started his career in law enforcement at the agency in 1999, officials said.

“He has displayed the experience, temperament and knowledge of the community that will make for a seamless transition of leadership,” City Manager Adam Pirrie said in a statement.

The search for Vander Veen’s replacement began after she announced her retirement in October. She did not give a reason for retiring.

Claremont Mayor Jennifer Stark lauded the choice in Fate as the city’s next top cop, saying he “represents the very best in law enforcement.”

“Over the years, he has proven to have the perfect balance of professionalism, leadership and caring needed for Claremont,” she said.

Fate has worked a variety of assignments before his appointment as the next chief of police, city officials said. He was a field training officer, a DARE officer and oversaw the agency’s Operations Division.

A badge pinning ceremony to formally install Fate as the new chief will be held on Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton in Claremont. The public is invited to attend, officials said.