After more than two decades on the job, many people look forward to retirement, but not Edward Cavello.
At age 54, the former Mt. Prospect fire chief is embarking on another assignment as chief of the Hoffman Estates department.
After more than 25 years with Mt. Prospect, the last 11 as chief, Cavello began his new career Monday when he was sworn in by Hoffman Estates Mayor Michael O’Malley.
“I’m at an age when I have the energy and enthusiasm to take on a new challenge and extend my fire service,” said Cavello.
Acting Village Manager Chris Guckenberger said that Cavello’s $86,000 salary in Hoffman Estates is slightly more than what he received in Mt. Prospect. She said that three months ago the village approached Cavello with an offer. He responded to the challenge of the new position.
At the swearing-in ceremony, in the presence of the village trustees and dozens of firefighters, O’Malley said, “This is a night we’ve all been waiting for.” The village hired Cavello after more than a yearlong search for a new chief.
O’Malley joked that Chief Cavello got him to administer the oath of office on Columbus day in honor of his Italian heritage. O’Malley handed the chief’s badge to Cavello’s wife, Billie, who proudly pinned it on her husband’s uniform.
Cavello, who was described by former Village Manager Peter Burchard as a firefighter with a “distinguished career,” came up through the ranks in Mt. Prospect. He began as a firefighter, was promoted to lieutenant, became deputy chief in 1985 and chief in 1986.
He is a past president of both the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. He also was appointed last year by Gov. Jim Edgar to serve on the Illinois Firefighter Medal of Honor Committee.
Chief Cavello holds the highest state rank for a firefighter, Fire Officer 3, and is a graduate of the National Executive Fire Officers Academy in Emmetsburg, Md.
At Monday’s ceremony, Cavello thanked everyone for being there.
“I’m looking forward to a great addition to my career,” he said. “With the support of the mayor, the board and the firefighters, I look forward to working in Hoffman Estates.”
