Villa Park names new fire chief

A longtime Lombard firefighter has been named Villa Park’s fire chief and will assume his duties June 11, village officials said Tuesday.

Ronald Rakosnik has wide-ranging professional experience, including more than 27 years with the Lombard department, officials said, where he most recently served a five-year stint as battalion chief. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science.

Married with three children, the new chief also has been active in volunteer roles in his community, including time as a Little League and youth football coach and a volunteer for Catholic High School Athletic Activities.

He is a member of the DuPage County Fire Chiefs Association and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

Rakosnik replaces Chief Mark Duski, who stepped down earlier this month after 32 years with the department.