Organizational Structure

Email: michele.l.pankow@Illinois.gov

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow began her career in fire service at the Rockford Fire Department in 1992, proudly serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic/EMT. Over the years, she was promoted to a Training Officer where she implemented state and federal regulations, and then served as EMS Operations Chief, coordinating with agencies on education and recruitment.

In 2002, Pankow was promoted to Lieutenant at the Rockford Fire Department, by 2010, had been assigned Captain, and by 2016, was promoted to District Chief. She supervised day-to-day firefighting and emergency services, managed staffing for response operations, and conducted response functions to include operations, planning, logistics, safety, and public information. From 2017-2021, Pankow served as Division Chief of Operations, which included being the Emergency Services Disaster Agency Coordinator for the City of Rockford. In this role, she was tasked with planning and organizing fire suppression and emergency medical operations, as well as overseeing the Emergency Operations Center.

In 2021, Pankow was sworn in as the 11^th Fire Chief of the Rockford Fire Department, becoming the first female chief in the history of the department. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, she was also awarded the American Red Cross Disaster Services Hero Award, which honors individuals for great acts of bravery, dedication, and community service. Pankow holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.

I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed as the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and proud to be the first female to fill this role. After more than three decades of service with the Rockford Fire Department, it is a privilege to continue serving the people of Illinois in this new role. I remain committed to advancing public safety, supporting our fire service professionals, and ensuring our communities are protected and prepared.

Email: allen.reyne2@illinois.gov

The Deputy Director is the senior executive staff member on the State Fire Marshal's staff and is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the agency, including oversight of the Bureau of Administration, Bureau of Operations and General Counsel's office.

Email: jeff.pride@illinois.gov

The Bureau of Operation’s primary mission is to ensure the public safety of all Illinois residents through its law enforcement, inspection and licensing functions.  The Bureau includes all operational divisions of the agency:  Arson Investigation, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety, Elevator Safety, Fire Prevention, and Petroleum and Chemical Safety.

Phone: 217-558-0577

The Bureau of Administration’s primary mission is to provide administrative support to the employees of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, as well support to the Illinois Fire Service through the administration of grant and loan programs. The Bureau is comprised of the following functions: financial management, contract and grant administration, procurement, human resources, building management and the motor pool.

The Senior Policy Advisor is a member of the State Fire Marshal's executive staff and is responsible for researching and formulating policy for the Agency.

Phone: 217-557-5873

The mission of the internal audit office is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the OSFM's operations. It helps the Office accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.

Phone: 217-524-1540

Email: Laura.Bedolla@Illinois.gov

Legislative Affairs serves as a liaison between the General Assembly, Governor’s office, and the fire service organizations throughout the state. Legislative Affairs carefully reads and responds to bills introduced into the legislature that would directly affect OSFM, members of the Illinois Fire service, or the safety of the citizens in the state.

Phone: 217-685-2041

Email: jc.fultz@illinois.gov

The Public Information Officer (PIO) works with the State Fire Marshal to convey the fire prevention/safety message and helps to promote the mission of the agency. The PIO is the point of contact for any media inquiries.

Phone: 217-558-1750

The Human Resources and Special Project Division oversees human resources and special projects for the OSFM. In addition, the Division coordinates the Annual Firefighter Medal of Honor and Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs. The Division is responsible for the Small Firefighting & Ambulance Service Equipment Grant Program, the Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan Programs, the Fire Station Revolving Loan Program as well as the Fire Safe Cigarette Program.

217-785-1040

The Agency Safety and Security Officer is a member of the State Fire Marshal’s Executive Staff and serves as the Agency’s representative to the State Emergency Operations Center. The Safety and Security Officer also maintains the Agency’s Continuity of Operations Plan, Safety Plans, and serves as the liaison to the Illinois Homeland Security Advisory Council.

(217) 557-3262

The Division of Fiscal Management is responsible for agency payroll, accounts payables, accounts receivables, and procurement.

217-785-1030

Fire Service Outreach serves as a point of contact for fire departments and various other fire service organizations. This area is responsible for the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the Fire Equipment Exchange Program, the Illinois Fire Museum, "Be Alarmed!" Smoke Alarm Program, and Educational Information Distribution Program.

Email: Greg.Whalen@illinois.gov

The mission of the Division of Arson Investigation is to provide fire investigation and law enforcement services to the fire service, and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Division is responsible for investigating suspicious fires and explosions. Arson Investigators are sworn peace officers authorized to conduct fire and/or explosion origin and cause investigations, interview witnesses and/or suspects, conduct follow-up investigations, execute search warrants, collect evidence, make arrests and testify in court. The Arson Division also consists of 7 canine teams. These canines can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids often used in fires and can lead investigators to a specific location where the fire originated.

Phone: 217-782-2696

The Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety regulates the construction, installation, repair, use, and operation of boilers and pressure vessels as mandated by law. The division’s main responsibility is conducting in-service inspections of boilers and pressure vessels to prevent accidents caused by explosions or leakage.

Phone: 312-814-1325

The Division of Elevator Safety is responsible for the design, construction, operation, inspecting, testing, maintenance, and alteration of conveyances in the State in accordance with the Statutes and Rules. It is also responsible for the registration and certification of conveyances as well as the licensing of contractors, mechanics, apprentices, inspectors, inspection companies.

Email: jeff.rath@illinois.gov

Phone: 217-558-0639

The Division of Fire Prevention conducts inspections of buildings for compliance with the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. While concentrating efforts on Public Schools, state licensed day care, health care, and correctional facilities. OSFM fire prevention inspectors also help ensure safety through the inspection of above ground flammable liquid tanks, LP Gas installations and hotel/motel occupancies. The division also inspects buildings, vendors, and exhibits at the state fairs in both Springfield and Du Quoin. The division is also responsible for enforcing the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act, Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act, Pyrotechnic Operator and Distributor Licensing Act and the Furniture Fire Safety Act.

Phone: 217-782-4542

The Division of Personnel Standards & Education (PS&E) is responsible for the standardization of education and training for firefighters in Illinois. It operates under the mandate of the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act, which provides for the promotion of standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Phone: 217-785-1020

The Division of Petroleum & Chemical Safety (P&CS) is responsible for managing the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program in Illinois. Working from state laws and rules based on a foundation of federal UST regulations, P&CS regulates UST activity, from licensing the contractors who work on them, to issuing permits for everything from initial installation to final removal, and all repairs and upgrades in between. Division field staff inspect all active registered UST facilities on a 2 year cycle, in addition to inspecting permitted UST activities and responding to UST and dispensing emergencies. The mission of P&CS is to protect against threats to human safety and contamination of the environment.　

Email: roberto.c.lopez@illinois.gov

Phone: 314-814-1645

Serves as the Agency Diversity Officer to pursue advancement of the agency's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) external outreach program, goals, and communications involving or impacting minority communities. The Diversity Officer also serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.