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 in Hutto, Texas. He also works as an adjunct instructor for Capella University where he teaches Masters and Doctoral classes in homeland security, fire, and emergency management operations, and 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 degree from the University of Oklahoma in Public Administration, and a doctorate degree in Public Policy from Walden University. Scott is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Office Program, is a credentialed chief fire officer, chief emergency medical services officer, and fire marshal from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and is a designated Fellow in the Institution of Fire Engineers. Scott is Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health and Survival Section Executive Board and past Executive Board member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He also serves as the Principal member for the IAFC on NFPA 1500: Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. Scott also currently is a member of the IFSTA Executive Board, being first elected in 2013 and then re-elected in 2016 and 2022.
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 and Penelope. Scott, Alissa, and their bulldog Boomer enjoy traveling, 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!