The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District has hired a new Fire Chief. Kevin Pratt will assume the duties effective January 1, 2017. Pratt began his career with the District as a volunteer in 1986. In 1991 he was hired as one of the first career firefighters for the District. He progressed through the ranks to Lieutenant in 1998, shift captain in 2005, and deputy chief in 2008. He completed his Associate Degree in Fire Science in 2006. He is a member of the Internantional Association of Fire Chiefs, serves as the co-chair of the Heart of America Fire Chiefs professional development committee, is a board member of the Northland Fire Chiefs Council, and is a board member of the Mid-America Regional Council Emergency Response Committee. During his career he has received five life saving certificates from the Firefighters Association of Missouri. Click here to read more.