Crime & Safety
Lombard, IL Fire Chief to Retire Oct. 8 After 10 Years
Lombard, IL – Lombard Fire Chief Richard Sander will retire next month, concluding 10 years leading the village's fire department and more than four decades in the fire service.
By Avery Collins · 2026-09-24T15:56:28.863Z
Lombard, IL – Lombard Fire Chief Richard Sander will retire next month, concluding 10 years leading the village's fire department and more than four decades in the fire service.
According to the Village of Lombard, Sander will officially retire Thursday, Oct. 8. He joined the DuPage County community as fire chief in October 2016 after previously serving with fire departments in Harvey, Aurora, Oak Brook and Naperville.
During his decade in Lombard, Sander led the department's fire protection, emergency medical services, fire prevention, training and emergency preparedness operations.
The village said Sander also oversaw major investments in the department, including replacing aging fire apparatus, improving firefighter training and equipment and enhancing emergency medical services.
Before arriving in Lombard, Sander joined the Naperville Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic in 1990. He advanced through several leadership positions before becoming deputy chief in 2011.
In that position, Sander oversaw operations involving approximately 200 members across 10 fire stations and served as an incident commander during major emergencies, according to the village.
Village Manager Nicole Aranas credited Sander with supporting firefighters and paramedics while strengthening community safety during his tenure.
The leadership transition is already underway. Lombard officials said the village is conducting a recruitment process to select the next fire chief.
Additional information about the department's leadership change will be released as that process moves forward.