Mesquite Fire Chief Mark Kerby graduated from Royse City High School in 1981.  During his high school career, Mark participated in football, track, band, FFA and was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating high school, Mark attended Eastfield Community College where he completed his Associate of Arts and Science degree and later graduated Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  He returned to UTD 27 years later and earned his Master of Public Affairs degree in December 2018.  

Mark has had the pleasure of serving the citizens of Mesquite as a member of the Mesquite Fire Department since January of 1985.  He rose up through the ranks in Mesquite and in 2003 was appointed Chief of the Department. Chief Kerby holds certifications as a Master Fire Fighter and Fire Instructor II from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.  He received certification as a Paramedic from UT Southwestern Allied School of Health, where he was Valedictorian of Paramedic Class 80. He is a graduate of the prestigious four-year Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer through the Centers for Public Safety Excellence. 

Chief Kerby is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Texas Fire Chiefs Association.  He has served as President of the Dallas County Fire Chiefs Association and President of the Mesquite Rotary Club.