Huizenga School Alumnus Promoted to Miami Fire Chief

Maurice Kemp, a 1999 graduate from NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship with a Master of Public Administration degree, was appointed fire-rescue chief for the City of Miami. Kemp will become the first African-American fire-rescue chief in Miami’s history. The announcement was made June 17, 2009, by City Manager Pete Hernandez.

Kemp currently serves as the deputy fire chief for the city and will be replacing Chief William Bryson, who is retiring in August.

Chief Kemp has been with the City of Miami Fire Department for 24 years and has held the positions of lieutenant, captain, assistant fire chief and deputy fire chief. As deputy fire chief since 1999, he has overseen the technical, management, support, communication, and emergency management services, as well as developed and managed budget and legislative functions. In addition, in 2006 he was appointed the program chief and task force leader for U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA Urban Search and Rescue.

Chief Kemp has received accolades throughout his career, including the Dr. A. Mancebo Memorial Award and recognition from the 5000 Role Models of South Florida.

For more on Chief Kemp’s appointment, visit http://www.miamigov.com/cms/comm/1724_6427.asp.