Mesquite, TX – October 1, 2020 – On Sept. 30, Mesquite Mayor Bruce Archer presented a special proclamation to Mark Kerby to celebrate his career including serving as Fire Chief since 2003.
Here is the proclamation that was presented:
WHEREAS, we are here to express our appreciation to Mark Kerby and honor him for his distinguished 35-year career with the City of Mesquite and dedicated Fire service to the residents of Mesquite; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby began his career with the City of Mesquite Fire Department on January 2, 1985, and has worked under two chiefs, four city managers and seven mayors. Chief Kerby was promoted to Driver-Engineer on April 9, 1988, Lieutenant on February 13, 1993, Captain on March 14, 1997, Deputy Chief on November 5, 1999, and Fire Chief on April 12, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby holds certifications as a Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor II and Licensed Paramedic. He was the Valedictorian of Paramedic Class 80 from UT Southwestern Allied School of Health. Chief Kerby earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Public Affairs Degree, both from UT Dallas. He is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, earned the Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc., and is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He served as President of the Dallas County Fire Chiefs Association in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby was instrumental in helping to design and oversee the construction and remodel of several fire stations. He developed the Fire Department’s federal Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance program. He served on the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council’s Hospital Diversion Committee and the MISD Cardiac AED Selection Committee; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby was awarded the Officer of the Year and Life Saving Awards in 2000, Mesquite Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year in 2001, Attendance Merit Bar in 2011, 2016 and 2018 and the Physical Ability Test Fitness Bar Award in 2018 and 2020; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby volunteered for the Mesquite Rotary Club, serving as its President in 2010-2011, Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot campaign, Special Olympics and Scottish Rite Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Chief Kerby is married to Kim and they have two adult children, Delaney and Ryland; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the entire City Council, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Mark for his loyalty to the City of Mesquite and wish him much happiness as he begins this exciting new chapter.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce Archer, Mayor of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, September 30, 2020, as:
Mark Kerby Day
in the City of Mesquite, and urge all citizens and employees to join me and the City Council in congratulating Chief Kerby on an outstanding Fire Service career with the City of Mesquite and expressing our sincere appreciation to him for his unwavering dedication and service to the City of Mesquite.
PROCLAIMED this 30th day of September 2020.
