Five finalists named for Rockford fire chief position

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Five candidates have been revealed in the running for the next Rockford Fire Chief.

Former Chief Michele Pankow became Illinois’ State Fire Marshal in July.

Brian Carlson stepped in as the Interim Chief of the Rockford Fire Department.

Now, Rockford’s Fire and Police Commission has announced five finalists for the position to lead the Fire Department.

Jeffrey Althoff.- District Chief, Rockford Fire Department, with 25 years of service.  B.S. in General Studies and a M.S. in Public Safety Administration. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Scott Bavery – Assistant Fire Chief, Madison Fire Department, with 28 years of service. B.S. in Community Health Education and a M.S. in Emergency Management Services. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Matthew Cordonnier -Logistics Chief, Rockford Fire Department, with 15 years of service. B.S. in Fire Administration and ongoing studies toward a M.S. in Executive Fire Leadership and Public Administration. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Timothy Morris – Captain/Fire Prevention Coordinator, Rockford Fire Department, with 24 years of service. B.S. in Public Fire Administration and pursuing a Master of Executive Leadership. Working toward the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Rebecca Tyo – Captain, Rockford Fire Department, with 16 years of service. B.S. and a M.S. in Kinesiology. Holds the Fire Officer (FO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

A virtual question and answer forum will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.