York Center Fire Chief Andy Bonomo retires after 49 years of service
Vito "Andy" Bonomo has been member of the York Center Fire Protection District since July of 1972. He will retire at the end of this month after 49 years of service.
The York Center Fire Protection District serves unincorporated areas of Lombard, Villa Park, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace, as well as approximately 3 miles of Interstate 88. There are nearly 10,000 in district residents that we serve. The daytime population grows to nearly 50,000 to include the businesses in district.
A second-generation firefighter with the district, Chief Bonomo has served for the past 34 as the fire chief. Chief Bonomo's career has shown countless notable achievements to the benefit of all residents in the district, district personnel, and the district itself. His greatest personal achievement occurred 15 years ago when the board of trustees of the district appointed to make Chief Bonomo the first full-time fire chief of the district. In his current role, Chief Bonomo provides not only an administrative presence, which includes one deputy fire chief, seven lieutenants, six engineers, one administrative assistant but also, oversees the operation and administration of a growing fire protection district.
Chief Bonomo's accomplishments in the areas of public education and life safety advancements are many. During his time, the district has merged fire codes with a neighboring fire districts and local government. This allows construction companies and residents that are building within either fire district or village to refer to one common Fire Protection Code. In the area of public education, Chief Bonomo continues to provide resources for an aggressive CPR program. The district continues to provide school students in the classroom with educational programs when able. The district has certified car seat inspectors available for appointments. A newly revamped smoke detector program was implemented which includes changing batteries and replacing detectors for our senior residents.
Chief Bonomo not only reaches out to the public but also makes sure to take care of his employees. Chief Bonomo eats lunch daily with the crew and you might even see him picking weeds outside the station. He manages to be a friend to everyone but does not loss the respect he deserves as the Chief.
The York Center Fire Protection District has announced that Deputy Chief Richard Sanborn will be promoted to the position of fire chief upon Chief Bonomo's retirement, beginning Sept. 1, 2021. Also, Lt. Bret Mowery will be promoted to the position of Deputy Chief replacing Sanborn.