During Wednesday’s Assembly Public Safety Committee meeting, it was announced that along with Anchorage Police Department Chief Justin Doll, Anchorage Fire Department Fire Chief Jodie Hettrick is also retiring.
Hettrick was the first woman chief at AFD. She was appointed by former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz in 2018 following the retirement of longtime chief Denis LeBlanc.
Hettrick joined AFD in 2012 and served as assistant chief and deputy chief before her eventual promotion. Hettrick’s last day will be June 30 with the Municipality of Anchorage.
“She has done a fabulous job as a female and I am sorry to see her go,” said Celeste Hodge Growden, president of the Alaska Black Caucus during the public comment portion of the meeting. “I just think it’s important that we recognize the accomplishments of women because unfortunately so often that is overlooked.”