MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Joe Kerr for Congress!

Meet Joe Kerr

Joe Kerr is a second-generation firefighter who dedicated 34 years of service as a Fire Captain with the Orange County Fire Authority. As the first President of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, a role he held for 17 years, Joe has been a relentless advocate for firefighters and first responders. He has also served as Vice President of the California Professional Firefighters and the Orange County Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO). Over his career, Joe has responded to nearly every major disaster in Orange County, demonstrating his deep commitment to public safety and service.

Getting Things Done

As a labor leader, Joe successfully advocated for the passage of over 200 bills and initiatives signed into law by five governors and two presidents. These laws tackled critical issues such as public safety, climate change, and workers’ rights. When first responders needed a new healthcare system, Joe took the lead in creating one that improved benefits and reduced costs without raising taxes. His leadership also extended to balancing the Orange County Fire Authority’s $500 million annual budget for three consecutive years, and securing the refund of $600 million in Vehicle License Fees to Orange County taxpayers. Joe’s proven ability to solve complex issues makes him well-prepared to take on national challenges in Congress.

A Decorated Firefighter

Joe Kerr’s career as a firefighter is marked by numerous accolades. He was named Fireman of the Year by the Cypress Fire Department in 1979, Overachiever of the Year by the Orange County Firemen’s Association in 1984, and Fire Captain of the Year in 1986. Notably, Joe received a Certificate of Merit from the Orange County Board of Supervisors for his role in responding to the 1981 Air California jetliner crash at John Wayne Airport. In 1999, he was awarded the Courage Under Fire Award for rescuing and reviving a non-breathing occupant trapped in a fire. Even after retirement, Joe’s commitment to public safety continued, earning him recognition for saving a baby from drowning in 2012.