Virginia Fire Services Board

Armstrong

James "Mike" M. Armstrong

Home Address: 7924 Lanasey Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
Cell Phone: 540-537-1569
E-Mail:

James M. Armstrong (Mike) began his fire service adventure in 1980 with the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department while still in high school. After graduating high school Mike served on active duty with the United States Army as an Infantry squad leader. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Mike re-joined the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department and began working towards certification as a professional firefighter.

Mike was hired by the City of Roanoke Fire-EMS Department in December 1988 and was married to Debra in February 1989. He advanced through the ranks as a Firefighter-EMT, Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Captain. He served a one year temporary assignment as the acting Battalion Chief of the Training Division. Mike retired from Roanoke Fire-EMS in January 2012 and is now employed as the Deputy Chief for Augusta County Fire-Rescue. As deputy chief, Mike is responsible for managing the Operations Division and the Training Division.

Mike and Debra have been married for more than twenty-three years and have one daughter, Amanda. They share their home with two Jack Russell Terriers; Harley and Abbey and the meanest cat around, Cletus. In their free time, Mike and Debra enjoy touring the mountains and back roads on their Harley Davidson Ultra Classic.

Mike served as President of the Virginia Society of Fire Service Instructors from 2006-2008. He currently teaches National Fire Academy Leadership classes, Pro Board Fire Officer 1-4 and Fire Instructor 1-2 classes as an Adjunct Fire Instructor for the Department of Fire Programs. He also is an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Western Community College and Bluefield College.

Mike has received Pro Board certification as a Fire Instructor 3 and Fire Officer 4. He is a 2010 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. He has received the Chief Fire Officers Designation twice in July 2005 and was re-designated July 2008. He is preparing for the re-designation process as a CFO through the CPSE.

Mike has completed an Associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, a Master’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences, and is scheduled to complete a doctoral degree with dual majors in Organizational Leadership and Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University spring 2012 through the Roanoke Higher Education center. He wrote his dissertation on fire service succession planning and career advancement.

 

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  • Last Updated: Friday, March 30, 2012