Lombard Fire promotes two firefighters to battalion chief

LOMBARD, Illinois—The Lombard Fire Department announced the recent promotion of two new Battalion Chiefs, Paul DiRienzo of Wheaton and Marty Coomes of St. Charles, who have a combined 55 years of firefighter experience while working for the Village of Lombard.

Battalion Chief DiRienzo began his career with the Lombard Fire Department as a paid-on-call firefighter in October of 1982. He was hired full time in July of 1986. Over the course of DiRienzo's career, he assisted with the department's public education programs and with the Fire Investigation Unit.

He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago and has served as the Lombard Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator for the last three years. DiRienzo plans to continue working with the new firefighters and to be active with EMS. He was sworn-in at the Board of Trustees meeting on June 7, replacing retired Battalion Chief Ron Rakosnik.

DiRienzo and his wife are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They live in Wheaton with their four children.

Coomes took over his new responsibility as Battalion Chief on July 8 upon the retirement of Battalion Chief Charles Ralis and will be sworn-in at a future Village Board of Trustees meeting.

Coomes has served as Lieutenant for the last 11 years and started his career with the Village of Lombard in 1987. He has been involved with a number of activities within the Lombard Fire Department including public education and training since 1996. Coomes, an avid fisherman and musician, lives in St. Charles with his wife and two sons. Both Coomes and DiRienzo were raised in Lombard and attended Glenbard East High School.

“We are excited about what both Marty and Paul will uniquely bring to these positions. Their knowledge, leadership and love of the job will serve our department and community well,” said Interim Fire Chief Jeff Holst.