Carbondale names Mike Hertz as new fire chief

The city of Carbondale announced late last week that Mike Hertz has taken over as the city's new fire chief effective June 2.

Hertz began his firefighting career in 1992 and started working at the city of Carbondale in 2004.

In 2013, Hertz was the captain in charge of fire department training and also the emergency management coordinator.

His training certifications include the Illinois Emergency Management Certification that he received in 2015, and he is the first and only city employee ever to receive the distinction.

In 2015, Hertz was promoted to assistant fire chief, the position that he held until his recent promotion.

Hertz takes over for the retiring Ted Lomax, who had served as fire chief since 2015.