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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester now has a female Deputy Fire Chief.

The Rochester Fire Department today announced the appointment of Holly Mulholland as the department's newest Deputy Chief. She is succeeding former Deputy Chief Vance Swisher, who has accepted a new job as the Fire Chief in Ankeny, Iowa.

photo by Andy Brownell/Townsquare Media
photo by Andy Brownell/Townsquare Media
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A news release on the appointment says Mulholland has been a member of the Rochester Fire Department for nearly 15 years and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2021. She started with the department as a firefighter and moved up to Motor Operator, Captain, and Battalion Chief before being appointed Assistant Chief and now Deputy Chief.

Chief Eric Kerska shares, “We are always happy to see members of the RFD team have the opportunity to grow and develop into various roles across the department. Holly is an example of working her way up through the ranks, while seeking the training, education and experiences needed to become a strategic leader. Holly is a great leader and a perfect fit for Deputy Chief.”

In addition to her firefighting career in Rochester, Mulholland serves as a canine handler for Minnesota K9 Search Specialists and is the team's Vice President. The news release says she has also served as an instructor within the fire department and throughout the state for training response to active shooter events.

Kim David, Townsquare Media
Kim David, Townsquare Media
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The Rochester native has lived in the city and the surrounding area her entire life. She is a 1999 graduate of John Marshall High School and earned an associate's degree at Rochester Community and Technical College before receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

TRIBUTE: 29 U.S. Service Members From Minnesota Killed During the War in Afghanistan

After 20 years of war, 29 men and women from Minnesota made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan while serving our country during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Scroll through the photos below and pay tribute to our fellow Minnesotans who served with valor.

The information below comes from the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count

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