HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Harrisonburg Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Armstrong has been named President of the Virginia Fire Prevention Association, the City of Harrisonburg announced Thursday.

According to a release from City Communications Director Mike Parks, Armstrong has more than 25 years of experience in firefighting and fire prevention at the state and local level. He serves as HFD’s Deputy Fire Marshal and oversees the department’s Community Risk Reduction Division.

As president of the Virginia Fire Prevention Association, Armstrong will help lead an organization representing professionals involved in enforcing and developing fire safety regulations. Among them are state and local fire marshals, fire officials, fire inspectors, fire investigators, firefighters, building officials and building inspectors.

The Association has been active in promoting State and Local codes and regulations developed to provide safety to life and property from the hazards of fire.

“I am deeply honored to be asked to serve in this capacity,” Armstrong said in the release. “The opportunity to impact the health and safety of our Commonwealth through advocacy is at the core of our mission, and I am humbled to be selected.”

Armstrong oversees a three-person team of HFD personnel responsible for educating the community in strategies designed to prevent fires and other life-threatening incidents. Armstrong also is a sworn law-enforcement officer and holds numerous professional certifications, including national certification as a Type III Wildland Incident Commander.

According to the release, Armstrong will serve as President effective immediately and may serve a second consecutive term in 2025.