Village of Lombard Names New Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief

"After the completion of a selection process and interviews of several qualified candidates, I am happy to report that we will be promoting from within the ranks of our current staff, a new Fire Chief and an Assistant Fire Chief, to serve the residents of Lombard," said William Mueller, Lombard Village President.

Torrence was promoted to Fire Chief from his position of Battalion Chief, a post he held on the Lombard Fire Department for nearly ten years. He also served as Acting Fire Chief for Lombard during an interim period while the search for a new chief was being conducted.

During his 32-year tenure in Lombard, Torrence has served as Emergency Coordinator of Emergency Services, Commander of the Fire Investigation Unit and Fire Inspector/Fire Marshal. He brings a wealth of experience and on-the-job training and is unique in that he has spent his entire firefighting career with the Lombard Fire Department.

Torrence received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Benedictine University. He has extensive professional training from the Illinois State

Fire Marshal including officer training, fire prevention, fire investigation, hazardous materials and incident command. He is also a member of the DuPage Fire Chief's Association.

"I always wanted to be an officer," said Torrence, "and when I was given the opportunity to be acting chief, I thoroughly enjoyed it," he said. "I have spent my whole life in Lombard. I respect the firefighters, they respect me and I look forward to being a good leader for them and the community," he added.

Howell was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief from his position of Fire Marshal, a post he held on the Lombard Fire Department for seven years. Prior to coming to Lombard, Howell served as the fire inspector/hazardous materials officer for the Village of Arlington Heights.

During his tenure in Lombard, Howell has been a member of the Fire Department management team, assisting the Fire Chief with daily management and leadership of the Department. He also assisted the Chief with budget preparation, strategic plan development and overall delivery of the Fire Department programs.

Howell has completed coursework for his Master's of Science degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Oklahoma State University and is on track for a May, 2011 graduation. He holds his Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University. He has also completed a number of courses from the National Fire Academy including incident command, managing fire prevention programs, fire inspection principles and fire and arson investigator courses.

Howell holds several State of Illinois certifications including firefighter II, fire investigator and fire prevention officer. He was also recently a contributing source on two books for the International Fire Service Training Association.

"I am grateful for the confidence and the opportunity presented to be a leader for the Lombard Fire Department as its new Assistant Fire Chief," said Howell. "With my experience, disposition and proven track record, I look forward to guiding the Lombard Fire Department in a positive direction as we discover resourceful and sustainable methods of providing our residents and visitors to Lombard with the services and programs they have come to expect," he added. "The Village of Lombard will be well served having Mike Torrence as its new Fire Chief. He brings an incredible amount of experience and intelligence to the position. I look very much forward to serving in my new position under his leadership," Howell added.

"Jerry demonstrates a strong work ethic and continually goes above and beyond on any project that he is given," said Torrence. "I look forward to working together with him in our new capacities as we lead the Lombard Fire Department forward," he added.

"The new leadership within our Fire Department will enhance the already excellent service to our residents by our dedicated members of the Fire Department," Mueller added. "Eileen and I congratulate our new leaders and I look forward to working with them."