Brian Kermoade started his career in the city Fire Department more than two decades ago – as a volunteer.
Kermoade on Tuesday – along with three captains and three engineers, including the first full-time female firefighter – took an oath of office as the department’s new division chief of training.
Kermoade holds a doctorate in contemporary organization and management business practices, an educational resume that started with an associate degree in liberal studies, a bachelor’s in communications studies and a master’s in business administration.
Chief Brad Lopez said the department has experienced a 42% increase in calls for service over the past five years, and noted since 2019 – and supported by Measure S resources – has graduated from a basic life support agency to an advanced life support agency, “providing for a more effective response to fires and a greater level of emergency medical care to our citizens.”