Michele Pankow becomes first woman to be named Illinois State Fire Marshal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – When Michele Pankow walked into her first firehouse more than three decades ago, she knew by the end of that shift she had found her calling. Now, 32 years later, she is stepping into a new chapter and making history. Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Pankow as Illinois State Fire Marshal. She is the first woman ever to hold the position. "It feels strange to say it, but it's nice for sure," Pankow said with a smile when asked about her new title. Pankow's journey began in 1992 at the Rockford Fire Department. At the time, she was in college and unsure of her career path. But after graduating from the training academy and walking into her first station, she was hooked. From there, she climbed the ranks — lieutenant, captain, district chi