Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The City of Rochester has announced the retirement date for the city’s outgoing fire chief. 

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Last year, Rochester Fire Chief Eric Kerska announced his intention to retire in January. 

Kerska became a member of the Rochester Fire Department in 1994. After rising through the ranks, he took over as Fire Chief in 2018. 

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In October, The Rochester City Council named West Allis, Wisconsin Fire Chief Mason Pooler to succeed Kreska. His swearing in ceremony will occur on a later date. 

City of Rochester
Pooler. City of Rochester
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Jan. 17 Retirement Date Set for Rochester Fire Chief, Ceremony Planned

On Monday the City of Rochester announced that Kerska will retire from his 30 years of service on January 17. 

Kerska’s legacy with the Rochester Fire Department includes the introduction of a comprehensive mental health program that involved annual check-ups and access to resources during mental health emergencies. 

Rochester Fire Department
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He also led efforts to expand eligibility for retirement benefits for more members of the fire department. His efforts paid off when the expansion was included in a bill signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz during the last legislative session. 

Kerska is also being remembered for prioritizing the health and wellness of the firefighters he led and aiming to reduce on-the-job injuries and minimizing time spent away from work. 

A retirement ceremony for Kerska is scheduled to take place on  Friday, January 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fire Station 1, which is located at 521 Broadway Avenue South.

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