ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford has a new fire chief.

The Fire and Police Commission announced the selection of Rebecca Tyo, a 16-year veteran of the Rockford Fire Department.

She previously served as Captain.

Tyo was chosen from a set of five finalists, which were revealed in September, beating out contenders including Rockford Fire District Chief Jeffrey Althoff, Captain Timothy Morris, Logistics Chief Matthew Cordonnier, and Madison Fire Department Assistant Chief Scott Bavery.

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

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