ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rebecca Tyo was sworn in as the new Rockford Fire Chief today at a ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Hall.

Tyo, who has been with the Rockford Fire Department for over 15 years, was selected by the Police and Fire Commission last month to replace former Chief Michelle Pankow.

"You just think all those moments in history where those folks those individuals those leaders in the organization were faced with the same challenges to innovate and so here we are today and yes we have come a long way and we have done a phenomenal job but we still have room to grow and I think we can do better we can be more efficient and I'm excited to create those opportunities," Chief Tyo said during the ceremony.

Tyo is only the second woman to serve as Rockford Fire Chief, marking a

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