Village of Lombard Names New Interim Fire Chief After Holst Resigns

Holst resigned Wednesday indicating that the position “does not fit his personality.” He has returned to the position of Battalion Chief with the Lombard Fire Department.

Until the search for a permanent Fire Chief is concluded, Gericke will serve as Interim Fire Chief.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as a fire chief in another community,” Gericke stated. Gericke retired as Fire Chief for the Village of Matteson in 2011. His more than 40 year career with the Matteson Fire Department actually began in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter until 1979 when he was hired as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1998 and Shift Commander in 2001. Gericke was named Deputy Fire Chief in 2007 and Fire Chief in 2009.

Gericke holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Illinois University.

“I am looking forward to working with Chief Gericke,” said Lombard Village Manager David Hulseberg, “until such time that the search for a permanent fire chief has concluded,” he added. Gericke will be compensated at $10,000/month, pro rata.