After 35 years of service, a fourth generation firefighter is set to lead Broward County, one of the largest departments in South Florida.
“In 1983, I started here with Fort Lauderdale,” said Rhoda Mae Kerr, according to a report by NBC 6, 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 Arkansas and then Texas, Kerr is starting a new chapter.
“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.
“I’m honored to be the first [female chief], but I don’t want to be the last,” Kerr said.