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William Paterson University kicked off Women’s History Month in March with a keynote address, “Shattering Glass and Loving the Sound of It,” from alumna Rhoda Mae Kerr ’70, a fourth-generation firefighter and fire chief who shared stories and insights from her trailblazing journey to the top of a traditionally male-dominated profession.
“Have grit and don’t back down from what’s right. Don’t ever doubt yourself or allow anyone to treat you unfairly. Have passion for all that you do and be kind and willing to lend a hand,” Kerr told students during the event, which was sponsored by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion as part of its series focused on women who advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “All of you, go shatter your glass ceiling, enjoy the sound, and be the best that you can be.”
Kerr earned a degree in physical education and health from William Paterson, working as a teacher and sports coach before beginning her career in the fire service in 1983 as one of just a handful of female career firefighters nationwide. Over the next 40 years, she steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, driver, engineer, lieutenant, battalion chief, division chief, and eventually, the first female fire chief in both Little Rock and Austin. In 2018, Kerr again made history as Fort Lauderdale's first female fire chief, where she spent five years overseeing more than 500 professional firefighters, ocean rescue guards, and administrative personnel prior to her retirement last year.
As a woman in fire service, Kerr recalls wearing ill-fitting, hand-me-down uniforms designed for men, being passed over for promotions, and numerous instances of bullying and discrimination. But as she rose higher in the ranks, she found opportunities to make the profession more accommodating for women.
“The chief officer positions put me in a place where I could influence change and start leveling the playing field,” said Kerr, who implemented changes such as revamping aging fire station and restroom facilities to serve a mixed gender workforce, investing in fire protection turnout gear designed to fit all shapes and sizes, and insisting on use of inclusive terminology.
“The words we speak and write play a significant role in creating the reality of an inclusive work environment. I have been an advocate, sometimes under harsh criticism, for gender-neutral language. For the fire service, it's words like ‘firefighter’ instead of ‘fireman,’” she said.
Among her many achievements, Kerr was the first woman elected president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the 142-year history of the organization. She also served as president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the National Society of Executive Fire Officers. In 2016, Kerr was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Infrastructure Diversity Council, where she, along with academic, public, and private sector experts, advised the president on the security of critical infrastructure sectors.
03/14/24
