What to Know
- A fourth generation firefighter is returning to her roots in Broward County, set to lead one of the largest departments after 35 years.
- After 15 years as the fire chief in Little Rock, Arkansas and then Austin, Texas, Rhoda Mae Kerr is starting a new chapter.
A fourth generation firefighter is returning to her roots in Broward County, set to lead one of the largest departments after 35 years of service.
“In 1983, I started here with Fort Lauderdale,” said Rhoda Mae Kerr, who will be sworn in as the new chief of the department. “I always like to say I love the sound of shattering glass.”
After 15 years as the fire chief in Little Rock, Arkansas and then Austin, Texas, Kerr is starting a new chapter. She’s also marking another historic milestone.
“I was the first female lieutenant here, I was the first female battalion chief, I was the first female division chief, I was the first female deputy and now I’m coming back,” Kerr said.
The future fire chief for the city is focused on paving the way. In a field typically dominated by men, Chief Kerr stands out.
Kerr will officially take over the fire rescue department this Sunday. She’ll oversee a team of more than 400 firefighters and administrative staff.
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“I always say that I have two main priorities as the fire chief: one is to take the best care of the firefighters that I can and number two is to take the best care of the community,” she said.
With a bachelors, masters, and associate’s degree in three different subjects - plus two certificates from Harvard Universities program for senior executives - Kerr is a trailblazer in setting the bar high for future generations of determined women.
“I’m honored to be the first, but I don’t want to be the last,” Kerr said.
