Rockford Fire Department bids farewell to Chief Michele Pankow

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow bid farewell to her department on Wednesday.

Pankow received adoration from fellow firefighters after spending more than three decades serving the city.

“She’s very influential, she has been using her leadership, her experience 32 years on the job with the Rockford Fire Department, she has a lot of knowledge and expertise to share,” said Rockford Fire Chief of Operations Todd Monahan. “We’re just hopeful to be able to carry her legacy forward.”

Pankow said it is humbling to hear from others how she impacted their lives.

“You don’t necessarily know that until people tell you,” Pankow explained. “So, I’ve had so many people who have done that, and it’s just been like I said, incredibly humbling, and I’ve been just so happy to have been part of this.”

Pankow was named Illinois’ next State Fire Marshal, Gov. JB Pritzker announced on June 4th.

“With 32 years of exemplary service, Chief Pankow’s unique knowledge and skillset have more than earned her this new role as Illinois State Fire Marshal,” said Pritzker. “Having risen in the ranks since her first day on the job, she understands the needs of Illinois firefighters and is versed in the public safety functions of our state. I am grateful for her ongoing commitment to Illinois, and look forward to seeing her strengthen our team.”

Pankow has served with the Rockford Fire Department since 1992.

In 2016, she became the first female Division Chief, and in 2021 was sworn in as the city’s first female Fire Chief, replacing outgoing Chief Derek Bergsten.

Her last day as fire chief was July 9th. Brian Carlson has stepped in as the Interim Chief of the Rockford Fire Department.

She begins her new position as state fire marshal on July 14.