The new year has brought a change in command for two firefighting units in western Racine County. Bill Vrchota, a 24-year veteran of the Town of Burlington Fire Department, was elected by his membership to be chief of the 26-member volunteer department. And, next door in Rochester, Jack Biermann Jr., a 20-year veteran of the Rochester Volunteer Fire Company, has been elected chief of the 25-member fire and rescue outfit. Both had previously served as assistant chiefs for their respective organizations. Vrchota, who has been assistant chief for six years, succeeds Ed Umnus, who retired after a 28-year career with the department. Biermann takes over for Walter Henning, who was chief the past six years and a member of the volunteer company for 40 years.