Curtis Jacobson, a veteran firefighter who has spent his entire 23-year career protecting his hometown, was appointed chief of the San Jose Fire Department on Tuesday after spending most of the year helming the agency as its interim leader. "I'm deeply honored to have this opportunity to lead an outstanding fire department," Jacobson said in a statement released after his appointment was ratified by the City Council. "Our mission is to protect the lives and property of San Jose residents, and I look forward to working with the men and women in the department and with the people in our community to meet the challenges for keeping San Jose safe."