Scott D. Kerwood, PhD
Fire Chief, Hutto Fire Rescue (TX)
Scott Kerwood is a life-long student of the fire service. He currently serves as the Fire Chief for Hutto Fire Rescue (huttofirerescue.org) in Hutto, Texas. He worked as an adjunct instructor for Capella University where he taught Master’s and Doctoral classes in homeland security, fire, and emergency management operations, and currently serves as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University, a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in Public Policy from Walden University. Scott is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Office Program. He is credentialed through the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a chief fire officer, chief emergency medical services officer, and fire marshal. He is a designated Fellow in the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and a past president of the USA Branch. Scott serves on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors as the Safety, Health, and Survival (SHS) Section International Director, is the past Chair of the SHS Section, and past Executive Board member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He also serves as the principal member for the IAFC on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1550: Standard for Emergency Responder Health and Safety, and NFPA 1580: Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness, as well as the other NFPA standards addressing occupational safety, health, and wellness. Scott is also a member of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Executive Board.
Scott began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter in 1978. He has worked in various locations with various fire departments, served in many fire department roles, has taught for several different organizations and colleges including the NFA, and serves on several fire service professional organizations.
Scott is blessed with a beautiful family that includes his wife Alissa, his son Ahrens (yes, like the fire truck!), daughter-in-law Vanessa, and granddaughters Ivy, Penelope, and Harper. Scott, Alissa, and their bulldog Boomer enjoy traveling, antiquing, genealogy, and American Indian studies. Most importantly, Scott is a cancer survivor! In 2018 Scott was diagnosed with cancer that was directly related to his fire service career. Following surgery and ongoing treatment he is blessed to be here today!