For almost two decades, Tom Czerniak has been chief of the Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Department, but those days are winding down. Czerniak, 71, will step down from his position as soon as the Joint Union Grove and Yorkville Fire Commission decides on his successor. He has been with the department for 41 years and has been chief for 17. Before becoming chief, he was mostly involved with emergency medical services on scenes. Besides being a volunteer member of the Fire Department, Czerniak was a biology teacher at Union Grove High School from 1970-2004. But even after retiring from UGHS, he has not slowed down much in the fire service: He still regularly spends time at the fire station. “It gave me purpose,” Czerniak said. “It gave me something to do (in retirement).”