News
Henderson Fire Chief Cavalieri Retires After 20 Years Of Service
January 24, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
PLEASE CONTACT CINDY HERMAN, (702) 267-2051
Henderson, Nev. – Jim Cavalieri, Fire Chief for the city of Henderson, will retire January 31 after 20 years of service with the city. Chief Cavalieri joined the Fire Department in 1987 as a firefighter, and served as Firefighter/Paramedic, Paramedic/Captain, and Deputy Fire Chief. In 2001, he was named the sixth Fire Chief to serve our community since the City’s incorporation in 1953.
In 1987, Henderson’s population was 48,660 and the Fire Department had 52 employees. Today, with a population of more than 267,000, the Henderson Fire Department operates nine fire stations that cover over 104 square miles and employs 216 employees.
“Chief Cavalieri has served the city of Henderson with distinction and honor. I have been proud to know him these many years and join my fellow council members in saying that we will miss him and his leadership. He is a consummate professional and has helped create a top-notch agency,” said Henderson Mayor James B. Gibson. “While we will certainly feel a loss at his departure, we know he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a department well-prepared to meet the emergency service needs of our city. We wish him and his lovely wife Lorna a long life of happiness and success in their retirement.”
City Manager Mary Kay Peck states that Chief Cavalieri has been a strong leader and has led the City’s Fire Department in becoming a model for other fire departments across the country. “Through Jim’s leadership and guidance, the city of Henderson Fire Department obtained and continues to be recognized as a dual-accredited organization for ambulance and fire suppression services,” Peck said. “Jim is highly respected and admired by all of us on the management team and by his staff. He will be greatly missed.”
Under Chief Cavalieri's management, the city of Henderson obtained accreditation under the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The city of Henderson Fire Department is one of only a handful of fire departments and organizations to earn and maintain dual accreditation since 2001.
Chief Cavalieri is a member of the Southern Nevada Fire Chiefs Association, Nevada Fire Chiefs Association, and International Association of Fire Chiefs. He also served as Vice President of IAFF Local 1883.
A native of Nevada, Chief Cavalieri was born in Las Vegas and has lived in Henderson for 54 years, graduating from Basic High School in 1971. Chief Cavalieri is active in community service and has served as a leader in Boy Scouts of America.
"It has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the City for the past 20 years," stated Chief Cavalieri. "Not many get to say they love to come to work every day, but I have had that luxury. This career has been exciting and rewarding in great part because of the associations with the community and those I have had the pleasure of working with. The consistent support of our elected officials, the City administration and the community has allowed us to build an organization that is a model of effectiveness and efficiency. I’ve enjoyed the rewards of seeing our personnel be involved in the decisions that drive us towards excellence and that has been exciting to watch. The friendships that have been developed over the past two decades are rich and treasured. It has been great."
Deputy Chief Douglas Stevens, who has served the City as Deputy Chief since April 2003 and has 17 years of service with the Henderson Fire Department, will be sworn in as the city of Henderson’s seventh Fire Chief.
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