Lombard Fire Department picks Naperville firefighter as new chief

A high-ranking Naperville firefighter has been named fire chief in Lombard and will begin his new job Oct. 3, officials said.

Richard Sander, a deputy chief with the Naperville department, is a veteran firefighter who started his career in 1979 in Harvey and later served with departments in Aurora and Oak Brook before coming to Naperville in 1998.

He served in Naperville as a firefighter-paramedic before a series of promotions made him a lieutenant, captain and acting battalion chief before being named deputy chief in 2011.

He replaces Paul DiRienzo, who retired as Lombard's chief in July after more than 30 years with the department.

"The Lombard Fire Department is well respected throughout the area and I am excited to bring my 30-plus years of knowledge and experience to build on their successes," Sander said in a news release. "I look forward to exploring new ideas and practices that will enhance the department's goal of excellence."

Sander is scheduled to be sworn in at a Sept. 15 village board meeting and begin work the next month.

"Our top priority is the safety of our residents and we feel this choice is a good fit for our community," Trustee Dan Whittington said.

While serving in Naperville, Sander oversaw 10 fire stations and served as incident commander at major emergencies. He also has served as president of the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District's board of fire commissioners and as post committee chairman for Naperville's Explorer Post Fire Cadet Program.