The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is bidding farewell to Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Tonya Hoover, who retires this week after a distinguished career in fire service spanning over two decades. Hoover’s leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the USFA and the broader fire service community.
Hoover managed the day-to-day operations of the USFA, overseeing critical functions that have shaped the nation’s fire and emergency response landscape. Under her guidance, the National Fire Academy trained over 100,000 first responders annually, ensuring that fire service professionals across the country are well-prepared to handle emergencies.
Hoover’s responsibilities extended to managing the National Fire Incident Reporting System, a crucial tool for collecting and analyzing data on fire incidents nationwide. Her oversight ensured that the USFA’s fire prevention, public information, and public education programs were effective and far-reaching. Additionally, Hoover was responsible for maintaining the 26-campus buildings at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, reflecting on Hoover’s retirement, expressed her admiration for her colleague on LinkedIn: “Chief Hoover has been a great Deputy Fire Administrator and Superintendent of the National Fire Academy. She is a good soldier! She is the consummate team player and kept me informed of where the landmines were. Please join in wishing her a fond farewell!”
Before her role as deputy U.S. Fire Administrator, Hoover served as the superintendent of the National Fire Academy from May 2017 to January 2020. During her tenure, she significantly enhanced the capabilities of fire and emergency services professionals through innovative training programs and initiatives.
Hoover’s career highlights include her tenure as California State Fire Marshal from July 2009 to July 2016, where she oversaw statewide fire prevention, training, and safety programs. Her leadership in these roles has been instrumental in advancing fire safety and preparedness across the state and the nation.
Her career also includes roles as a fire marshal/battalion chief for a local fire department and as a deputy campus fire marshal at the University of California, Berkeley. These positions allowed her to develop and implement fire safety measures that have had lasting impacts on the communities she served.
Tonya Hoover holds an MBA in Business and Human Resources from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Education from Oklahoma State University. She also has an associate degree in Fire Protection Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a California lifetime teaching credential for fire science.
Throughout her career, Hoover has been actively involved with several professional organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Service Training Association. Her contributions to these organizations have helped shape policies and standards that continue to enhance fire safety and training programs nationwide.
As Hoover steps into retirement from the U.S. Fire Administration, her legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the fire service community will continue to inspire future generations of fire service professionals.