Article updated: 9/19/2012 8:15 AM

New chief brings family focus to Lombard Fire Department

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Paul DiRienzo was sworn in as Lombard fire chief Sept. 6. One of his first goals is to increase the department's capacity for responding to medical emergencies.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

New Lombard Fire Chief Paul DiRienzo has been with the department for 29 years after starting as a paid-on-call firefighter when he was in college. "Being here as long as I have shows stability," he said.

Mark Black | Staff Photographer

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Family, firefighting and Lombard run deep in the life of Paul DiRienzo. The Lombard Fire Department's new chief has two brothers, a sister, a niece and his mother all living in town and 29 years of experience with the department. "Being here as long as I have shows stability," said DiRienzo, whose first day as chief was Friday, Sept. 7. "I had a part-time job in town for 30 years, so I don't fly around very much. I plan on sticking around."