10/14/2025
NEW FIRE CHIEF: Today, the Fire and Police Commission voted unanimously to appoint Rebecca Tyo as the next Rockford Fire Department Chief.
Chief Tyo joined the Rockford Fire Department in 2009 and, over the course of 16 years of dedicated service, has held a range of roles, including Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Fire Training Coordinator and Captain. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, and has earned professional credentials including the Fire Officer (FO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) accreditation from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
“We were fortunate to have had five incredible finalists, each bringing impressive experience and talent to the table. After a thorough selection process by our citizen-led Fire and Police Commission, Rebecca emerged as the top candidate,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “I want to thank our incredible commissioners for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process. I have full confidence that Rebecca will do an outstanding job, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our department and our community.”
