Altoona’s deputy fire chief to retire
Tofano headed to North Carolina to be closer to family
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ALTOONA -- After 22 years of service to the city, Altoona Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Tofano will step down from his duties as he pursues a new opportunity.
Tofano, who has served as deputy chief for the past nine years, is set to retire Friday.
"First and foremost, it has been an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Altoona," Tofano said. "I'm so grateful to them for giving me this opportunity, and it has been a very rewarding career."
Tofano is retiring from the city, but plans to continue his career in public service.
He has accepted a role with the Lexington Fire Department in North Carolina, where he will also serve as deputy chief.
The transition will bring Tofano closer to his children, Leah and Ben, along with his parents, siblings and other family members who live in the area.
"It was important to be closer to them," said Tofano, who will be moving south with his wife, Tanya. "This is definitely bittersweet, and I didn't take this decision lightly. There's always that new chapter, but there's a lot of great things we'll be leaving here in Altoona."
Tofano began his career as a rookie firefighter in 1999 and quickly ascended through the ranks.
He held numerous titles, starting as an engineer and earning subsequent promotions to captain and fire inspector.
He was named deputy chief in 2012 and currently coordinates the hazmat team.
"Mike was very dedicated to the community and to his firefighters," Altoona Fire Chief Tim Hileman said. "He rose through the ranks in his 22 years, starting out as a rookie firefighter and eventually becoming deputy chief. He is certainly going to be missed."
Hileman said Tofano's commitment to the fire service branched beyond Altoona.
As a fire instructor through Bucks County Community College, Tofano helped firefighters from across the state train and hone their skills.
"His commitment to public service didn't stop at Altoona," Hileman said. "He helped train firefighters from all over Pennsylvania and continually shared his expertise to help other fire departments grow and improve as well."
Hileman said there are no active plans to fulfill Tofano's position, though he said the department will eventually hire a new deputy chief "to help with continuity,"
In the meantime, Hileman said Tofano's duties will be split up between the other assistant chiefs and the fire inspectors division.
Tofano said he will "not be a stranger" to the department and plans to keep in touch with his fellow firefighters.
"I'm very grateful for this time I've had here and how good this career has been to me and my family," he said. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve."
Mirror Staff Writer Calm Illig is at 814-946-7535.