LAFD News:

Battalion Chief Kelly Serna

Los Alamos Fire Department Battalion Chief Kelly Sterna has been placed on administrative leave following a report this morning that he had been arrested in Albuquerque Friday night for suspected drunk driving.

Sterna was not on duty at the time, according to the report.

“The Los Alamos Fire Department upholds the highest standards and code of conduct for its officers,” Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes said this afternoon. “We understand that the public places their trust in us to behave in a professional, law-abiding manner, both on and off duty. Following our investigation into the situation, we will take appropriate action as needed.”

Sterna has been involved with the fire service since 2001. He started out as a volunteer Firefighter with Red River Volunteer Fire Department.

During that time, he became certified as a Fire Fighter I, Wildland FF, and Helicopter Crew Member.

In 2005, Sterna joined the Los Alamos Fire Department as a firefighter. He was promoted to driver engineer in 2009, captain in 2010, and most recently to battalion chief May 7, 2012.

His current assignment is as the battalion chief of Los Alamos National Laboratory training and LANL exercise coordinator.

Sterna has been involved in many projects with LAFD, including serving as the Wildland Training Coordinator and the Respiratory Protection Program.

He currently holds a variety of course certificates, including the EMT- Basic and is pursuing an AAS Degree in Fire Science.