Kelsey Whetro
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Dynamic Battalion Chief with expertise in incident command, team collaboration, and community relations. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and safety during major events, ready to drive impactful community initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Battalion Chief
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, MO
03.2026 - Current
- Appointed Suppression Group Supervisor for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Kansas City FanFest, overseeing fire suppression operations for one of the city's largest international special events.
- Lead Coordinator for Camp Fury Kansas City, overseeing planning, partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer coordination, and program delivery for a regional workforce development initiative focused on introducing young women to careers in the fire service.
- Supervised emergency response operations to ensure safety and efficiency during critical incidents.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance team performance and emergency preparedness.
- Established strong relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses to increase engagement and support for fire department initiatives.
- Contributed to successful public education initiatives designed to increase community awareness of fire prevention measures and general safety practices.
Fire Captain
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, MO
07.2021 - 03.2026
- Led emergency response operations, ensuring team readiness and adherence to safety protocols.
- Coordinated training programs for firefighters, enhancing skills and knowledge in emergency management.
- Managed incident command during complex emergencies, optimizing resource allocation and response strategies.
- Developed and implemented operational procedures, improving efficiency in fire suppression and EMS activities.
Firefighter
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, MO
10.2009 - 07.2021
- Responded to emergency calls, providing rapid assessment and intervention in fire and rescue situations.
- Operated firefighting equipment, ensuring readiness and compliance with safety protocols during emergency responses.
- Conducted training sessions for new recruits, enhancing team skills in firefighting techniques and safety measures.
- Collaborated with community organizations to promote fire prevention education and awareness initiatives.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01-2019
High School Diploma -
Hickman Mills High School
Kansas City, MO05-2007
Skills
- Incident command
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Operational efficiency
- Fire suppression
- Personnel management
- Community relations
- Staff development
Accomplishments
- Implemented Kansas City's first Safe Haven Baby Box, leading cross-agency coordination with hospitals, nonprofit partners, elected officials, and internal stakeholders to establish a secure infant surrender location and expand community safety resources.
- Served as Suppression Group Supervisor for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Kansas City FanFest, leading suppression operations and coordinating fire service resources within a multi-agency Incident Command System for one of the region's largest international special events representing over 400,000 people.
- Lead Coordinator for Camp Fury Kansas City, directing planning, partnerships, sponsorship development, volunteer management, and program delivery for a workforce development initiative introducing young women to careers in the fire service and emergency response.
- Developed KCFD's CPAT Peer Fitness Program, creating a structured, firefighter-led training program designed to improve candidate preparedness and strengthen firefighter recruitment and retention efforts, ultimately improving CPAT success rates to 98% for all candidates.
- Coordinated Kansas City Fire Department's participation in Fire-Rescue International (FRI), overseeing exhibit planning, apparatus logistics, demonstrations, staffing, partnerships, and public engagement while representing the department on an international stage.
- Expanded strategic community partnerships by developing collaborative initiatives with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and public agencies to enhance recruitment, community risk reduction, and public education.
Certification
- EMT - National Registry and State of Missouri
- Fire Instructor I
- Live Fire Instructor
- NIMS/ICS (ICS 100–400; IS-700 & IS-800)
- NIMS/ICS (ICS 100–400; IS-700 & IS-800)
- Fire Officer I (In Progress)
- Fire Instructor II (In Progress)
Timeline
Battalion Chief
Kansas City Fire Department
03.2026 - Current
Fire Captain
Kansas City Fire Department
07.2021 - 03.2026
Firefighter
Kansas City Fire Department
10.2009 - 07.2021
Master of Public Administration - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Columbia Southern University
High School Diploma -
Hickman Mills High School
Kansas City Royals Hometown Hero
Kansas City Royals Hometown Hero Award – Recognized for outstanding community service, leadership as a Kansas City Fire Department Captain, and dedication to helping inspire and mentor the next generation of women in the fire service through Camp Fury Kansas City.