Archive for June 21st, 2016

Lombard Fire Department news

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

There have been many memorable moments for Paul DiRienzo in his 34 years of service with the Lombard Fire Department, but a silent parade marking the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks was one of the most striking.

As DiRienzo, 53, prepares to retire July 6 from his position as fire chief, countless other memories come to mind as well: Helping deliver several babies, breaking down walls during house fires and holding hands with people in distress.

The Lombard native took a paid on-call position with the fire department in October 1982. He became a full-time employee on July 6, 1986, exactly 30 years prior to his upcoming retirement date. When DiRienzo started working full-time for the department there were a minimum of four firefighters on duty each day. That number has grown to 15, to accommodate the more than 7,000 calls a year the department receives.

He stayed with the department so long because he enjoyed serving the town he grew up in and felt reinvigorated with each promotion. He became a lieutenant in 2001 and took on the role of battalion chief in 2012 for a short period before becoming chief.

A national search is underway to find DiRienzo’s replacement. Last week, the village board agreed to pay Patrick Gericke, a retired Matteson fire chief, $60 per hour to serve as interim fire chief for three months, or until a new chief is hired. Gericke served as interim chief in Lombard in 2012 as well, prior to DiRienzo’s promotion.

thanks Dan

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4-Alarm fire in Antioch, 6-21-16

Excerpts from theDailyHerald.com:

One person was injured and a house destroyed in four-alarm fire on Hawthorn Lane in unincorporated Lake County near Antioch, fire officials said.

Chris Lienhardt, deputy chief of the Antioch Fire Protection District, said crews were called to the house at 5:19 a.m. with a report that a male was trapped inside. Heavy fire and smoke were visible in the rear of the structure when firefighters arrived on the scene.

Firefighters entered the house and pulled the male from the fire who was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

“This is what every firefighter trains for; to go in and put yourself in harm’s way to rescue someone,” Lienhardt said.

The fire went to a 4th alarm due to the lack of water in the area.

The house sustained extensive damage. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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Lyons Fire Department update

New buggy for Lyons FD Chief 1301

Ford Explorer for Lyons FD 1301

Lyons FD 1301. 2016 Ford Explorer. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

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As seen around … Midway Airport

Photos from Gordon J. Nord, Jr.

Oshkosh ARFF Striker at Midway airport

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

Oshkosh ARFF Striker at Midway airport

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

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