Another Breakthrough in the Glass Ceiling

		Rhoda Mae Kerr will become chief of the Austin Fire Department on February 1, 2009. Currently, Rhoda Mae is the fire chief of the Little Rock Fire Department. When making the announcement of Rhoda Mae’s selection, Austin City Manager Marc Ott said that while all of the finalists were very capable chiefs, “Kerr stood out among them in community group meetings and during a site visit that city officials conducted for each of the finalists' fire departments. “Beyond her technical skills, she impressed everyone as a leader with the likability factor that translates into someone who will be both involved in and embraced by the community."

Rhoda Mae is the product of a firefighting family. “I used to say I was a third generation firefighter. My great grandfather worked in New York City in the days of horse-drawn steam powered pump engines and my grandfather was a volunteer with a department in New Jersey. But when I was a young girl, my dad worked for the Connecticut Division of Parks & Forestry and fought forest fires—what we now call wildland fires—and that made me realize that I represent the fourth generation in our family.”

Rhoda Mae has begun her 26th year of service in the field. She has been Little Rock’s fire chief since January 2004. Before that, during 20 years with Fort Lauderdale, she served in every operational and administrative rank rising to deputy chief, which in 2003 was second in command.
In addition to an M.P.A. in Public Administration, a B.A. in Physical Education and Health, and an A.S. in Fire Science Technology, Rhoda Mae has earned certifications from Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative and Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. She has also completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. She serves as Chair of IAFC’s Human Relations Committee and Southwest Director of NSEFO.

“When I became a firefighter in 1983, I was the fourth woman on the force—the third in operations. My experience was similar to women fire fighters today: you’re scrutinized more closely. There’s the standing back and saying, ‘Let’s see if SHE can do the job.’

“My height and physical presence helped. I had taught high school physical education, coached and was a recreational director for 13 years. I also went through the state certified training academy and had already proved that I could take the guy down the ladder. My stamina wasn’t an issue. Could I do as many pull ups and push ups? No. It’s not the point and should never be the point.”

In Little Rock, building a safety culture is what Rhoda Mae is most proud of.  “We did that in two ways. The technical—new fire trucks, thermal imaging cameras, portable radios for every ride position, large diameter hose, mobile data computers, etc.—and then what I call ‘adaptive’ or adhering to the policies for safety, from driving to not taking dirty, contaminated turnout gear to any where you eat or sleep.”

Rhoda Mae considers the branding of the Little Rock Fire Department her second most important accomplishment. A ‘brand’ represents the sum of a customer's experiences with a company, product, or service. “I wanted our community to identity us with excellent public service and commitment.” And it has!  

Austin city officials’ site visit to Little Rock encountered only praise and admiration for Rhoda Mae. Little Rock City Manager Bruce T. Moore summed it up by saying, “"Under her leadership the fire department has risen to new levels in fire prevention education, training and community involvement."

Little Rock is going to miss Rhoda Mae and Austin is very excited about their new chief. “My hiring had to be confirmed by the Austin City Council. That happened on November 20th. There were 100 firefighters in full dress uniform standing in the back of the room. After the unanimous confirmation, the firefighters applauded loudly and came down the four aisles to welcome me.”

Austin wanted a chief “who could provide strong leadership, make the department more transparent to the community, and increase its diversity.” We whole heartily agree with their confidence that Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr “will do an outstanding job of elevating one of the best fire departments in the country to even higher levels."

Chief: You’re a powerhouse of competence, compassion and a dynamic personality. You’re an inspiring role model for the fire service! Our heartfelt congratulations!