As of January 2012, Armstrong serves as a deputy chief with Augusta County Fire-Rescue and was formerly a captain with Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. Chief Armstrong currently serves as Vice Chairman on the Virginia Fire Services Board and chairs the Administration, Policy, and Finance Committee and is a member of the Fire Education and Training Committee. He is an Adjunct Instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs as well as a professor and Fire Science Program Coordinator at Virginia Western Community College and is a program instructor for Bluefield College's bachelor's degree Public Safety program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Fire Science

Chief Armstrong instructs and assists with course development for Virginia Department of Fire Programs courses in NFPA/Pro Board Fire Officer 1-2-3-4, Fire Instructor 1 & 2, and National Fire Academy Leadership 1-2-3. He is on the VDFP Fire Officer Training Committe which developed the training curriculum for NFPA Fire Officer 1-2-3-4 training courses.

Complete biography:

Chief Armstrong serves as a Deputy Chief with the Augusta County (VA) Fire-Rescue Department. Armstrong retired as a Fire-EMS Captain for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department in January 2012. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is an internationally accredited department that responds to more than 18,000 alarms each year. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department has approximately 250 career personnel operating out of 12 stations which serve a population in excess of 94,000 citizens.

Armstrong proudly served the citizens of Roanoke for over 23 years. He worked in a number of capacities during his employment including Firefighter-EMT, Lieutenant-Instructor in the Training Division, 1st Lieutenant of an aerial ladder company, and station/engine company captain in the Operations Division. He also served a one year temporary assignment as the acting Battalion Chief of the Training Division.

Armstrong was appointed by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to serve on the Virginia Fire Services Board which provides oversight of fire training and fire prevention activity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also serves on the Fire Science Advisory Board for Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke.

Chief Armstrong’s educational accomplishments include an Associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology from Pikes Peak Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Hampton University, and a Master’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama. Armstrong graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.. He is also currently pursuing a Doctoral degree with dual majors in Organizational Leadership and Human Services Administration through Nova Southeastern University in Florida and completed his dissertation on Fire Service Succession Planning and Career Advancement. He is scheduled to graduate in 2012.

Chief Armstrong’s professional credentials include Pro Board certification as a Fire Officer 4 and Fire Instructor 3. He is a Virginia certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. He was designated as a Chief Fire Officer in 2005 and 2008 by the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Chief Armstrong’s professional experience and accomplishments include writing a successful grant to secure funding for a new live fire training facility. Armstrong serves as a FEMA Peer Reviewer for the AFG Program. He routinely develops and instructs courses in fire service leadership and management.  Armstrong is a member of the Virginia Society of Fire Service Instructors and a member of the International Association of Firefighters.