Dave Blondell, longtime member of the Norwood Park Fire Protection District, was sworn in as the new chief Monday in a ceremony at the firehouse in Harwood Heights.
Dozens of family members, community members, elected officials, firefighters and paramedics gathered in the garage where the department’s board called a special meeting and voted unanimously to approve a contract with Blondell.
Blondell, has been serving as acting chief of the department, which serves Norridge, Harwood Heights and Norwood Park, since former chief Terrance Vavara resigned in May.
Andy Cichon, president of the fire district board, said that Blondell was selected because “the board felt like he was the best fit to lead the firehouse.” Blondell will earn an annual salary of $130,000.
“This is a long time coming for him and well deserved,” said Cichon.
Blondell was sworn in by board member Joanne Rybak and pinned by his 7-year-old son, Bodie, alongside his wife, Erin, and 12-year-old daughter, Sydney.
“He deserves this and he’s coming from within which is a great honor for our department,” said Rybak. “He’s going to do great things.”
Cyndi Stec, administrative assistant for the department, began working with Blondell more than 25 years ago, when they were both teenagers. Blondell will be the fifth chief she has served under.
“The wonderful thing about his leadership style is that he listens and takes in what others are saying,” Stec said. “He has a way of making people feel comfortable and laugh, but when it is time to be serious, he is.”
The new chief thanked his wife, children and parents for their love and support, noting how important it is for Fire Department staff to have support partners and co-parents at home.
“My wife is a world class scientist and a world class mother,” said Blondell, “My kids make me want to come home every day.”
Blondell joined the department in 1993 as a paramedic student, became a paramedic assigned to an ambulance the next year and served as a firefighter and paramedic from 1996 to 2006.
In 2006, he became a lieutenant, a role he served in until 2011 when he became a commander. From 2017 until May of this year he served as deputy chief.
He has also served as the department’s public information officer and as president of Norwood Park Fireman’s Association IAFF Local 4210, according to the fire district’s website.
“He’s really moved up in the ranks and we congratulate him,” said Norridge Village Board President Daniel Tannhauser.
Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny said she was happy to welcome the new chief.
“He’s worked in the Fire Department for years and I think he will serve the communities well,” she said.
The chief said he is looking forward to working with members of Norridge, Harwood Heights and the Norwood Park communities and, referring to the nickname of Island in the City, said “we may be an island but we are anything but deserted.”
The chief thanked the firefighters, paramedics, lieutenants and commanders, and recognized the board for its work.
“Anything I tell them that we need that will make our community better, they never hesitate, they never debate, they simply ask me ‘When can you do it?'” said Blondell.
“I am excited about the future of this fire department, I think it’s very promising,” he said.
