Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson names Roger Kerr as permanent fire chief

BLOOMINGTON – Wednesday, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson named Roger Kerr as the Chief of the Bloomington Fire Department.

Roger Kerr

Kerr has been serving as interim chief since the start of the Thomson administration on January 1. He was selected for the permanent role based on his successful performance as interim chief and his long history with the department. 

Mayor Kerry Thomson

“Without a doubt, Roger Kerr is the best person to lead the Bloomington Fire Department forward,” said Thomson. “He has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues. He brings the experience of a career firefighter who has worked his way up the ranks. And, he has the skills and heart of a leader and a public servant.”   

Kerr, who has been with the Bloomington Fire Department since 1988, served as its chief from 2008 to 2014.  Throughout his career, he has also held the rank of battalion chief, captain, engineer, ariel technician, and firefighter.

Kerr will officially retire as a career firefighter on March 11 and become the appointed fire chief as a civilian effective March 12