Aurora Fire Chief Retires After 28 Years Of Service

AURORA, IL — After 28 years of service, with more than three years helming the Aurora Fire Department, Chief Dave McCabe retired Nov. 26.

Dave McCabe started as a firefighter with the Aurora Fire Department in 1997 before climbing the ranks and being appointed chief in 2022.

"From paramedic to chief, he led AFD through major transitions, strengthened training, modernized operations, and invested deeply in the next generation of firefighters," the department said in a Facebook post honoring the retired chief. "His calm, steady leadership and commitment to community shaped the department we know today."

According to the Chicago Tribune, McCabe was on the scene of a house fire Oct. 29 on Grant Place when he felt an "aura of peace" watching the team work.

"I felt completely at ease watching them work," he told the Tribune. We're in a good place at the fire department. And I decided the next day to submit my retirement papers."

Deputy Chief Kevin Nickels will serve as interim chief until McCabe’s successor is appointed.

The department is considering internal and external candidates for the open position, according to department spokesperson Jim Levicki. As part of the process, fire personnel are being given the opportunity to provide feedback about internal candidates before the city chooses who will participate in formal presentations and interviews.

"The goal is to identify a finalist and begin the formal appointment process through City Council early next year," Levicki said.