Toledo Fire Department Makes Historic Promotion
1/25/2022
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announced Allison Armstrong to be the new Chief of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department during a press conference on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Chief Brian Byrd’s retirement was effective December 11, 2021.
Chief Armstrong is the first woman to head the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department.
Chief Armstrong has worked for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department for the last 21 years. During her tenure with TFRD
she has risen up the ranks with her most recent position as a Battalion Chief, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Bureau.
Chief Armstrong is a State of Ohio licensed registered nurse and Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of NW Ohio, and holds a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Cincinnati.
“Chief Armstrong was the best choice. She is experienced in all facets of operations and shows great leadership and management skills,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said.
“She is unwavering in her dedication to the firefighters who serve our community every day despite the dangers they might face, and she is committed to building a diverse and inclusive department. I have faith in her courage and professionalism to lead our department, especially during these challenging times.”
Chief Armstrong comes from a family of civil servants. Her father was a member of the Toledo Police Department for 25 years.
“My work history and reputation in the community highlights the fact that I am committed to life-long learning and relationship building. As your Chief, I am dedicated to making the TFRD the best and most successful organization it can be,” Chief Armstrong said.
Chief Armstrong has played ice hockey for the Toledo Fire hockey team since she was hired in 2000. Her team currently plays in tournaments and games in order to raise money for charitable causes. Chief Armstrong is married to a retired member of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department who served 33 years, and they have one son.
Chief Allison Armstrong will start on February 4, 2022.