Scott Kerwood is a 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 in Public Policy from Walden University. Scott is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Office Program. He is a 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 and 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 2019.
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 has been involved with the IFSTA family since 1982 and has served on many IFSTA committees, some of which include: Fire Stream Practices (7th Edition), Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook (1st Edition), Hazardous Materials for First Responders (2nd Edition), chair for Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident (3rd Edition), chair for Hazardous Materials Technician (1st Edition and 2nd Edition), chair for Hazardous Materials for First Responders (5th Edition), vice chair for Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness (3rd Edition), vice chair for Chief Officer (3rd Edition), chair for Chief Officer (4th Edition).
Scott is blessed with a beautiful family that includes his wife Alissa, his son Ahrens (yes, like the fire truck!), daughter-in-law Vanessa, granddaughter Ivy, and English Bulldog Boomer. Scott and Alissa enjoy traveling, genealogy, and American Indian studies.
