The Fire Chief serves the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Fire Department (AFD), and is appointed by the City Manager and approved by the City Council. His/her role, in addition to overseeing the operations of the entire department, includes representing AFD management on the day-to-day issues, business practices, and process of the AFD. The department’s assistant chiefs are appointed by the Fire Chief and the entire Executive Team is housed at AFD Headquarters (4201 Ed Bluestein).

Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr

Rhoda Mae Kerr is a fourth-generation firefighter with 26 years experience in the field. She is currently the Fire Chief of the Austin Fire Department and most recently served in that same position with the city of Little Rock, Arkansas; she was also Assistant Fire Chief at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chief Kerr brings a Master’s in Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health, an Associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology, and a certification from the Harvard University program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Prior to entering the fire service, Chief Kerr was a coach and physical education teacher at the high school level for 12 years.

Chief Kerr heads the Human Relations Committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, is Southwest Director of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers, and is actively involved in Rotary, along with other community and professional organizations, including the Central Texas chapter of the American Red Cross and the Austin Area Urban League. She is also a member of the Texas Fire Chief’s Association and the Capital Area Fire Chief’s Association. She is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying cycling, golf, tennis, and skiing.

Assistant Chief/Chief of Staff Jim Evans

Since joining the Austin Fire Department in 1977, Assistant Chief Jim Evans has steadily worked his way through the ranks, spending nearly all of his time in Operations. His progress includes making driver in 1980, lieutenant in 1984, captain in 1988, and battalion chief in 1991. He has served as Assistant Chief since 1996 and Chief of Staff since 2002.

His experience includes working on the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Water Rescue Teams. He also served as AFD’s Safety Officer for four years after being promoted to Battalion Chief, where his focus was accountability and firefighter wellness/fitness issues.

A native of San Antonio, Chief Evans has also served as an instructor in the Fire Science program at Austin Community College, teaching such topics as firefighting strategies and tactics, firefighter safety, and HazMat technician requirements.

Assistant Chief George Blackmore

Currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Special Operations and Homeland Security, George Blackmore has steadily risen through the ranks of the Austin Fire Department during his 25-year career. Joining the department in 1980 as a firefighter, he was promoted to lieutenant in 1989, captain in 1991, and battalion chief in 1995. In 1996, Chief Blackmore was appointed Safety Officer and three years later, became Division Chief of Operations. Among his more interesting roles includes a stint as head of AFD’s Terrorism Task Force, AFD’s Special Operations Division, and his current membership on the Capital Area Council of Government’s (CAPCOG) Homeland Security Task Force.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelors of arts degree in Germanic Languages, Chief Blackmore is also a graduate of the Austin Police Department’s West Point Leadership Academy and numerous National Fire Academy (NFA) courses including the Fire Academy Fire Service Communications Course, Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Natural and Manmade Disasters Course, and the Hazardous Materials Site Operations Practices Course. He is a certified Texas Master Firefighter, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Officer II, Instructor III, and Aircraft Firefighter, and a Texas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Assistant Chief Matt Orta

Assistant Chief Matt Orta joined the Austin Fire Department in 1991. A native Austinite, he graduated from William B. Travis High School in 1989 and a year later, enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. After graduating from the AFD Training Academy, Chief Orta spent six years at Station 2 and then promoted to Fire Specialist and was assigned to Station 3. Upon promoting to Lieutenant, he managed a team of recruiters who were tasked with the goal of increasing department diversity and then assisted with the development of the LBJ Fire Academy, a program designed to provide fire and emergency medical training to a diverse cross-section of high school students. After completing his assignment at Headquarters and Education Services, he transferred to Engine 24 C-shift. He was recently promoted to Assistant Chief and now oversees Combat Operations Support.

Additionally, Chief Orta holds certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection in the following disciplines: Inspector Basic, Fire Service Instructor II, and Fire Officer I.

Chief Orta is married to Adriana and they have three children: Isabella, Nicolas, and Chloe. He has been active as a mentor at Zavala Elementary and Brook Elementary, and is an assistant T-ball coach with the Manchaca Youth Optimist Sports Complex. During his off time he enjoys hiking, camping, and spending quality time with his family.

Assistant Chief Richard Davis

Chief Richard Davis, a native of San Antonio, Texas, began his career in the Austin Fire Department (AFD) in 1992. Before AFD, he was a Customer Service Supervisor with the Sears Tele-Catalog and Product Service Division in San Antonio. Prior to Sears, Chief Davis served eight years on active duty in the United States Air Force. This includes an extension of service in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Currently, he is a reservist with the 74th Aerial Port Squadron stationed in San Antonio. He was recently promoted to Assistant Chief and now oversees AFD’s Professional Services sections.

Chief Davis holds Master of Science degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management. His military training and education helped him obtain an Associate of Science degree in Logistics Management while serving on active duty. He has also attended the United States Air Force’s Noncommissioned Officers leadership school. Chief Davis holds a number of Texas Fire Commission certifications in the following disciplines: Fire Investigator Master, Fire Officer II, Firefighter Master, Inspector Master, Fire Service Instructor Intermediate, Field Examiner, and Emergency Medical Technician.

Most of Chief Davis’s career with AFD has had him stationed in east Austin. Early in his career, he was a mentor and part of the Honor Guard’s first team that participated in a number of community events. In addition, he has spent a number of years working in Recruiting and the Education Services section. Chief Davis was also a member of the 2005 and 2008 collective bargaining committee teams. Through the years, he has been involved with a number of AFD projects and committees which he says have given him a better perspective on organizational improvement.

Assistant Chief Harry Evans

Assistant Chief Harry Evans joined the Austin Fire Department in 1985. With almost 23 years of public service, Chief Evans has worked in a diverse range of special operations disciplines for the department, including Hazardous Materials, Water Rescue and Technical Rescue. He’s also spent nearly six years in staff positions within the Training Division, Medical Operations, and Professional Standards.

Accomplishments
Co-Developed the AFD Primary Leadership Development Course
Executive Sponsor for AFD Honor Guard and Pipe and Drums
Developed Special Operations Inventory Control Program
Standardization of Swift Water Rescue Boats to meet USAR standards
Developed Dive Team Task Force response
Instituted numerous special operations programs
Development of joint Dive Team with Austin Police Department
City of Austin Combined Charities Steering Committee
Developed Austin Fire Department Special Operations Performance Standards
Developed Hazardous Materials Personal Protective Equipment Program
Honor Graduate, Austin Police Department Leadership Academy

Professional Experience
Special Operations
Chief Evans was assigned as a Special Operations Battalion Chief from July 2002 through May 2008. He managed a battalion of 36 Special Operations firefighters, and was responsible for command and control at all special operations incidents. While in Special Operations he instituted a number of innovations and programs to that section.
Professional Standards
Chief Evans was the Professional Standards Battalion Chief from April 2001 through July 2002. He was responsible for conducting internal affairs investigations within the department and acted as a legal liaison for the Fire Chief.
Medical Operations
Chief Evans worked in Medical Operations (now the Office of Medical Director) as a Captain, and was responsible for medical education and certification for the members of the department. Additionally, he oversaw the immunization and infection control program for Medical Operations.
Capital Area Incident Management Team
Chief Evans is a member of the Capital Area Incident Management Team assigned as an Operations Section Chief.
Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue
Chief Evans was a member of Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team as a Rescue Squad Officer from 1996 through 2000.
Training / Education Services
As a Fire Specialist, Chief Evans worked as cadet instructor from 1992 to 1994.

United States Army/National Guard and Reserves
Before joining AFD, Chief Evans was a paratrooper in a long-range surveillance unit in the United States Army and also worked as an instructor in a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

Education
Course work at Austin Community College and University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Public Safety Emergency Management
Numerous National Fire Academy classes

Division Chief/A Shift Duke Turpin

Chief Turpin serves the public and the A Shift Operations personnel as Shift Commander. He joined the department in 1984 as a 28-year-old Firefighter at Fire Station 9 in Hyde Park. He promoted to Fire Specialist in 1990 driving Ladder 3B and to Lieutenant in 1993, and was assigned to the Fire Prevention Division for two years. He promoted to Battalion Chief in 1998 after working as a Lieutenant at Fire Station 9B and as a Captain on Ladder 3C. His first Battalion Chief assignment was as the Department’s Professional Standards Officer, a position he held for three years. Chief Turpin then worked four years as an Operations Battalion Chief managing the downtown district, Battalion 1, on the B Shift. He promoted to Division Chief in May 2005 and is currently assigned as the A Shift Commander.

Chief Turpin attends seminars and training on Incident Management to improve his abilities as an incident scene commander and to reinforce the department’s values in which citizen and firefighter safety is paramount. He currently holds Inspector, Instructor, and Master Firefighter certifications.

Division Chief/B Shift Dawn Clopton

Since joining the Austin Fire Department more than 23 years ago, Division Chief Dawn Clopton has steadily risen through the ranks. She was promoted to Fire Specialist in 1988, Lieutenant in 1993 and to Captain in 2006. One of the longest-serving female uniformed members in the department, Chief Clopton is certified as a Structural Firefighter, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector, Fire Officer I, and Emergency Medical Technician. She is also certified at the Technician level for Rope Rescue, Confined Space, Structural Collapse, and Swift Water Rescue.

Chief Clopton currently oversees AFD’s B shift.

Chief Clopton is currently a member of the Leadership Council for the Austin Women Firefighters. In this role, she serves on the Department’s Diversity Council and the Austin Firefighters’ Association/Local 975’s Human Relations Committee. She also served two terms as a Vice President on Local 975’s Executive Board.

As a member of Texas Taskforce 1, Chief Clopton responded to the World Trade Center after 9/11, New Orleans flooding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Texas A&M bonfire collapse.

Chief Clopton is a two-time recipient of the Austin Fire Department’s Medal of Merit, has received various AFD Certificates of Commendation, and been recognized with the Austin Police Department’s Certificate of Recognition.

Division Chief/C Shift Ken Crooks

Ken Crooks is a 19-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department. Currently the Division Chief over the C shift, Chief Crooks also has experience in Fire Prevention and Communications.

Chief Crooks holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Austin Community College and also attended the University of Texas. Additionally, he is a certified Inspector, Instructor, Master Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician. He has received specialized training to serve as an Incident Management Technician for emergencies throughout the state.

Chief Crooks currently serves as the Chairperson for the Fire Station Design Workgroup.

Division Chief/Combat Operations Support Phil Jack

A 30-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department, Phil Jack has served in many roles during his tenure. He has experience as a Fire/Arson Investigator; Safety Officer; Battalion Chief; Division Chief in charge of communications; and Shift Commander.

Chief Jack holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Austin Community College and also attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University). Additionally, he is a certified Law Enforcement/Peace Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Investigator, Master Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician. Chief Jack is also a graduate of the Internal Revenue Service’s Financial Fraud Investigation program.

His many accomplishments include instituting department-wide immunizations, physicals for those who deal with hazardous materials, and overseeing the conversion to fire-resistant uniforms and Nomex® hoods.

Division Chief/Professional Services David Bailey

David Bailey is currently enjoying his 23rd year with the Austin Fire Department. Included in the specialties he supervises are AFD's Prevention and Arson Investigations sections, as well as our Professional Standards Office.

During his career, Chief Bailey has served in the Operations, Special Operations, Educational Services, Fire Prevention, Public Education, and Fire Investigations divisions. Chief Bailey has shared his Austin experience on a national level as an instructor for FEMA and is currently involved in the development of the Texas state-wide Incident Management Teams. He holds an associate's degree in Fire Science and is working on a Bachelor’s in Public Safety Management.

Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Don Smith

Battalion Chief Don Smith also serves as the Fire Marshal for the city of Austin. A native Austinite, Chief Smith attended the University of Texas, majoring in mechanical engineering. Before joining AFD in 1982, Chief Smith had previous tenures as an electro/mechanical draftsman, and Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Controller; he is also served his country as an officer in the United States Army.

After reaching the rank of an Operations Lieutenant on an engine company with AFD (having worked on a ladder company, manpower unit, and part of AFD's original dive rescue team), Chief Smith moved over to our Prevention section, where he has served for the last 14 years. His roles there have included Lieutenant Inspector, Code Enforcement/Technical Inspections Captain, and Assistant Fire Marshal.

Chief Smith is a published author with numerous articles featured in Fire Engineering magazine and is a graduated of the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland. He is also certified as a Master Fighter, Master Fire Inspector, Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor and Prescribed Burn (Burn Boss), and is a FEMA, Region VI Board Member for USFA PARADE (Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange). Chief Smith has been appointed by the State Commissioner of Insurance to the State Fire Extinguisher Advisory Council and is an appointed member to the Community Board of Advisors, Seton Hospital Network, Seton Southwest as well as the Ethics Committee for the Seton Hospital Network, Seton Southwest.

As a licensed pilot, he enjoys flying and is an avid tennis player.

Chief Administrative Officer Amy Singer

Amy started with the City of Austin in 1978, straight out of college. She began her career at the Parks and Recreation Department, working in the areas of Recreation, Arts, and Management. She moved to the City Manager’s Office in 1991 as Executive Assistant to the Assistant City Manager. Amy has been at the Fire Department since 1993 and currently oversees Support Services--including Human Resources, Payroll, Finance/Budget, Purchasing, Research and Planning, Cadet Hiring, Facilities, and AFD's Warehouse.

Public Information and Marketing Manager Michelle DeCrane

With more than 20 years of public relations and communications experience, Michelle DeCrane is well-suited to her position as public information and marketing manager for the Austin Fire Department. In this role, she serves as the department’s Public Information Officer, handling all aspects of communications and media relations. She has worked in marketing and communications for some of the country’s largest corporations, including Lockheed Missiles and Space; Holt, Rinehart, and Winston; and Durham Transportation. Her career also includes work in the non-profit sector—for the Long Center for the Performing Arts as Director of Marketing and Public Relations—and publishing, with TRIBEZA magazine, where she most recently served as Vice President of Marketing.

Michelle is an award-winning writer, with both a Bronze Quill and Best of Austin award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and a Best of Texas award from the Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA). She holds a bachelor of science in journalism (specialty in public relations) from Texas A&M University and is also a certified crisis manager.

Michelle is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Texas Public Relations Association (where she served on the Board of Directors as Membership Chairman). In addition, she has served on the Public Relations Committee for Special Olympics Texas and is a featured speaker for several entities, including the University of Texas’s marketing department.