Dupage Policy Journal

During a Nov. 21 meeting, the Batavia City Council recognized four veteran firefighters who received promotions.

Batavia Fire Chief Craig Hanson appointed four firefighters to higher roles within the department, it was noted during the YouTube-streamed meeting. John Lucas, John Kessler, Cale Loebbaka and Robert Hogan all received promotions.

“Again, Council, I’d like to thank you for all your support,” Hanson said in the meeting. “I believe this is, I know this is an excellent leadership team. We have decades of experience here and we look forward to the future and serving our community and our citizens with pride.”

Lucas has served with the Batavia Fire Department for 16 years after serving with several other fire entities, it was reported in the meeting. Moving up through the ranks, he has been a lieutenant and battalion chief in the department and has now been promoted to the rank of deputy chief. His mother and three children were on hand to see him take the oath.

Kessler was also promoted to the rank of deputy chief. He has served as fire marshal for the Batavia Fire Department since 2018 and has worked with three fire departments during his nearly 40-year career. His son was on hand during the oath.

Loebbaka, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, joined the Batavia Fire Department 10 years ago. He is a registered fire instructor and paramedic and also has certifications in hazardous materials. His entire family was on hand for the ceremony.

Hogan was promoted to the rank of battalion chief. He has been with the Batavia Fire Department for three decades, starting as an on-call firefighter in 1992. Rising through the ranks, he reached the level of lieutenant in 2006. He currently leads the department’s investigative team. His wife, son and two grandchildren were on hand to support him during his oath.