James M. Armstrong

Biography

Captain Armstrong presently serves as a Fire-EMS Captain for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department in Roanoke, Virginia. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is an internationally accredited department that responds to approximately 18,000 alarms each year. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department has 270 career personnel operating out of 12 stations which serve a population in excess of 94,000 citizens.

Captain Armstrong has proudly served the citizens of Roanoke for over 20 years. He has worked in a number of capacities during his employment including Firefighter-EMT, Lieutenant-Instructor in the Training Division, 1^st Lieutenant, and 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 for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also serves on the Fire Science Advisory Board for Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke.

Captain 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 recently completed the third year of the National Fire Academy’s four year Executive Fire Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He is also currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership through NOVA Southeastern University in Florida and is writing his dissertation on Fire Service Succession Planning.

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

Captain Armstrong’s professional accomplishments include writing a successful grant to secure funding for a new live fire training facility. 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.