Aug. 16--The International Association of Fire Chiefs has installed Oklahoma City Fire Chief G. Keith Bryant as president and chairman of the board for 2014-15. He was sworn in at the general session of Fire-Rescue International in Dallas.
Bryant will lead the association's 18-member board of directors. He will serve as the association's primary spokesman on national and international issues, testify on behalf of the organization at Congressional hearings and serve as the association's representative dignitary.
During his inaugural address, Bryant spoke of the importance of the organization's role as the leading advocate for fire and emergency service issues at the national level.
He also noted that leadership is the key component in reducing and eliminating firefighter fatalities and injuries.
Bryant has been fire chief in Oklahoma City since 2005. He started his career in the fire service in 1977 as a firefighter in the U.S. Army.
During his 32-year career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, he served in many roles, including dive team member and a critical-incident stress-management peer counselor.
Bryant was promoted to district chief in 1997, the department's chief training officer in 2000 and deputy chief of operations in 2004.
Bryant has a degree in fire science technology and is a certified EMT, hazardous materials technician and fire service instructor through Oklahoma State University. He has been a member of the IAFC since 1997.
Austin, Texas, Fire Chief Rhoda Kerr was sworn in as first vice president. Kerr is a fourth-generation firefighter who began her career in the fire service in 1983.
Chief John Sinclair, of Kittitas Valley, Wash., Fire Rescue, was sworn in as second vice president. He began his career in the fire service in 1977 as a volunteer firefighter.
Copyright 2014 - The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City
