Kennedy Halverson was photographed last summer after responding to a call on the Duluth Fire Department’s boat, “Marine 19.” Photo submitted
The job of a firefighter is known to be physically demanding. The gear is heavy, and the conditions are extremely taxing.
In this line of work, there are no special accommodations made due to gender or age. Everyone on the crew must simply pitch in and do their job.
Duluth’s Kennedy Halverson worked as a firefighter/EMT for the Duluth Fire Department for two years. During her tenure, she assisted in fighting fires, responding to medical emergencies, rescuing plenty of cats, and she even helped save a man’s life.
She recently received a well-deserved promotion – to Fire Inspector – which she began in February 2025.
Halverson explained a bit about her experience as a female in this field. “It’s a bit of a different world for women,” she noted, adding that there are a total of eight women at the DFD; five firefighters, and three female employees in the Life Safety Division.
“You’re almost held to a higher standard, and you have to go above and beyond to prove yourself,” she added.
“I’d advise other women pursuing this field to soak up all the information you can, ask questions, and work as hard as you can every day. I’d also share that it’s ok to ask for help or advice when you need it.”
Drive to Help
Growing up in Proctor, just outside of Duluth, Halverson has always enjoyed athletics. She excelled in soccer, softball, hockey, and golf.
She is one of five children in a blended family. Her mother, Christy Strohm, is a marketing and sales professional, and her father, Nate Halverson, is the Deputy Sheriff for Douglas County.
Before selecting her career, Halverson changed her mind a few times. “Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a nurse,” she noted. “I love creating relationships and helping people. But I eventually realized that wasn’t the best fit.”
Next, she decided on elementary education. “I love kids, and thought I wanted to be a teacher. So, I enrolled at the College of St. Scholastica (CSS), and pursued elementary education for two years,” she explained.
Ultimately, that wasn’t the right choice, either. She then pivoted to law enforcement, and took a semester of courses at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC).
Finally, several of her firefighter friends encouraged her to give their profession a try. It suited her skill set and goals perfectly, and she graduated with an Associate’s degree in fire science and administration from Lake Superior College (LSC) in 2022.
While in college, Halverson volunteered for the Proctor Volunteer Fire Department for a year, to gain helpful on-the-job experience. After that, she was ready.
DFD
Halverson was hired by the Duluth Fire Department (DFD) in 2023, at age 23. For her entire tenure, she was assigned to the “float pool,” meaning she would report to the fire station where she was needed most on any given day. Her shifts were 24 hours, from 7 am to 7 am.
She explained a bit about her work. “We’d respond to all sorts of calls,” she explained. “Medical calls, fires, car accidents, gas alarms/odors, fire alarms, and animal rescues. We’ve rescued cats from heaters, trees, and the back of a van’s sliding door,” she added with a chuckle.
Logistically, here’s how it works: After someone calls 911, St. Louis County’s skilled dispatchers determine the best crew to respond to that call (whether police, fire, or paramedics).
The dispatchers also decide which station to call, based on the closest proximity to the emergency. (The DFD has 8 stations, with a geographic range spanning the entire city of Duluth). Additionally, the DFD sometimes helps other area fire departments, such as Hermantown, with mutual aid.
Memorable Stories
While “on the rig” for two years, Halverson was involved in some quite memorable calls. A couple involved Lake Superior.
“The Fire Department has a water rescue boat and a jet ski,” she noted. “I’ve been able to respond to calls using both. The jet ski was used to respond when someone thought a person went under the water in Lake Superior, just out from Fitger’s.
“And, when the Aerial Lift Bridge goes up, we have no access to Park Point. I’ve responded to Park Point medical calls using the boat, which is kept over by Pier B.”
A call that will always remain with her was helping to rescue an elderly man from a fire. “There was an apartment fire about a year ago,” she explained. “And, I was on the engine. Someone was in the apartment, and I stretched the line (an industry term referring to pulling the fire hose off the back of the engine) and assisted with getting him out of the building.”
After saving that gentleman’s life, Halverson’s entire crew received awards for their bravery. She was given the Meritorious Service Award.
Fire Inspector
As noted, Halverson recently earned a promotion to Fire Inspector – her dream job. To earn this promotion, she first had to obtain a special certification from Century College.
She explained what her new job entails. “I help enforce fire codes by going to different businesses and buildings to do inspections,” she said. “I make sure there are no fire hazards and that the exits and egress are clear.”
Sometimes it’s a complaint that precipitates her visit, but typically it’s part of a regularly scheduled rotation. A visit (and subsequent approval) from the Fire Inspector helps the business owner retain their necessary permits.
This job is where she plans to stay. “I’m very passionate about fire education and prevention,” she noted.
Halverson offered several fire safety tips for the public, including:
- Maintain your smoke alarms, and ensure their proper placement
- Maintain your carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure their proper placement
- Have an exit plan
- Have an agreed-upon meeting place with your family
In this new role, Halverson enjoys her schedule of 8-hour days, Monday through Friday.
Another Role – with the DPD
Halverson is also a medic for the Duluth Police Department’s tactical response team. In this role, she responds to high-risk calls, and even was called on to follow and protect Governor Walz’ motorcade during his recent visit to Duluth.
“It’s been super fun to work together with the Police Department and bridge the gap and the relationships between the DPD and DFD,” she noted. “But we also enjoy giving each other a little crap,” she added with a laugh.
Personal
Halverson and her fiancée, Kyler, live in west Duluth. Kyler works for St. Louis County, and is also a member of the 148th Fighter Wing. The couple has a dog named Axl, whom they love taking along on their outdoor adventures, such as hiking and camping.
When asked about her goals, she shared, “We’re getting married in September, at my grandparents’ house, near Moose Lake. I’d eventually like to move out of the city and have more room and land. And, I’d like to have a family someday.”
In her spare time, Halverson also coaches youth hockey.
Rewarding Profession
In Halverson’s experience, being a first responder has been a deeply rewarding profession. “I love helping people,” she said simply.
“I enjoy making connections with people, and making them feel comfortable when they’re scared. I try to always do my best to make a positive impact on people.”
