The Lombard Police Department swore in five new officers and promoted one of its own to sergeant on Thursday, Oct. 1, at a ceremony inside Village Hall.

Charles Brack took the oath as the department's newest sergeant. Jack Evoy, Michael Knezevic, Damian Jimenez, Cameron Winters and Aaron Diaz-Sepulveda joined the force as probationary police officers.

Police Chief Joseph Grage introduced each officer during the ceremony, according to a Village of Lombard announcement. Village Clerk Ranya Elkhatib administered the oath of office. Family members, fellow officers and village officials filled the room for the event.

The promotion was months in the making.

Brack's elevation from officer to sergeant went before the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners at a special meeting on Aug. 12. Vice Chairman Kenneth Florey made the motion, seconded by Secretary Kyle Dolan, and the board approved it. Village Manager Nicole Aranas had sent a memorandum to Board Chairman Thomas Rachubinski authorizing the promotion ahead of the vote, according to board meeting records.

At the same Aug. 12 meeting, the board approved a $4,800 invoice from Stephen A. Laser Associates for pre-employment psychological exams covering eight police officer candidates. Five of those candidates were ultimately the officers sworn in on Oct. 1.

The village congratulated Brack on his new role and wished all six officers safe and rewarding careers serving the Lombard community.

Grage, Elkhatib, Florey, Dolan, Aranas and Rachubinski were all part of the process that brought the new officers on board, a sequence stretching from the summer board vote through the Oct. 1 ceremony at Village Hall.

Residents who need to reach the Lombard Police Department for non-emergency matters can call (630) 873-4400.