Mayor presents key to the city to Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara on Monday presented a key to the city to Fire Chief Michele Pankow, bestowing his highest honor in recognition of her more than 32 years of service and history-making leadership.
The honor was bestowed during what will be the last City Council meeting that Pankow attends as chief. Her last day with the city is Wednesday before she begins her tenure as Illinois state fire marshal.
Pankow, who started with the Rockford Fire Department in 1992, made local history as the first woman to serve as fire chief when she was named the city’s 11th fire chief in September 2021. She will now make state history as the first woman to serve as Illinois fire marshal.
“You have served every single one of your roles with tremendous professionalism, integrity and compassion,” McNamara said. “I believe the city of Rockford and our fire department is better because of the services you provided all of us. I know the state of Illinois is getting an absolutely wonderful leader. We here in Rockford could not be more proud of the work that you have done and that you will be doing on behalf of the state of Illinois.”
Pankow, who was choked up by the unexpected honor, kept her remarks in response short.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, 32-plus years here,” Pankow said. “I’ll miss you all.”
The Fire and Police Commission is now working on a search for the next chief.
The three-member commission, which oversees hiring and promotions for Rockford’s fire and police departments, has named 27-year veteran Brian Carlson as interim chief. Carlson, who is currently division chief, will not seek the permanent role, per commission rules.
Celebrating Chief Michele Pankow
What: Rockford Fire Department will host a celebration honoring Chief Michele Pankow’s career, which began in 1992.
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
