Rochester fire chief plans to retire in early 2025 – Post Bulletin

ROCHESTER — Since joining the Rochester Fire Department in 1994, Chief Eric Kerska has worked his way up to the top job.

He also climbed many ladders at work.

Kerska announced his plans to retire in early 2025. By then, he will have served approximately seven years as fire chief and 31 years total with the department.

“It’s time to pass the torch to someone else,” he said Wednesday.

Kerska joined the department shortly after returning from a military deployment to Iraq. He and his wife were looking to put down roots somewhere after traveling in the military. His brother-in-law, who then worked at the Winona Fire Department, suggested fighting fires.

“It seemed like a good idea,” Kerska said. “I didn’t know what to do with my life, but I knew I didn’t want an office job.”

In the years before he became chef, he transformed his profession into a passion.

“It’s one of those careers, you do meaningful things for people,” Kerska said.

His three decades with the department are full of memorable moments.

“You remember the big incidents, you remember the long nights, the camaraderie, the fear, the joy, the defeat,” Kerska said. “You remember everything.”

It also tests the physical and emotional limits of people entering the profession.

“My parents see things that most humans don't need to see and they have to keep moving, keep driving after experiencing these tragedies,” he said.

A standout moment, Kerska said, was a couple's visit to the fire station where he worked. Kerska helped save the life of one of the two people and they personally thanked him.

That kind of contact doesn't happen often, Kerska said.

“Usually, leave, get the hose ready and go back to the station,” he said. “In my experience, this is very rare. … I do not know why.”

Four firefighters from Battalion 2 will receive a similar honor with a visit from a woman who was rescued from a house fire last year with her two dogs.

“It’s going to be meaningful to my parents,” he said.

Although firefighters never forget the times when they can't save people, the moments of success tend to stand out, Kerska added.

“It must be a natural trait of the human being for its preservation, I suppose,” he said.

Kerska said he hoped someone from the fire department would be willing to step forward to succeed him as chief, but was remaining tight-lipped on any recommendations.

“We have some great guys to choose from,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s up to the city council.”