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For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 24, 2009 Contact: Greg Buelow
Phone: (319) 286-5163
E-mail: g.buelow@cedar-rapids.org
Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Steve Havlik Announces Retirement
From being a firefighter during Toxic Tuesday to performing as the Incident Commander during last summer's historic flooding, Fire Chief Steve Havlik has spent nearly thirty years of his life serving the Cedar Rapids community as a member of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. The Fire Department's eleventh paid Fire Chief has decided to retire and will mark his last day on the job on March 1, 2010.
Chief Havlik began his firefighter career on October 13, 1980, and was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, Training Chief, and Assistant Chief before his selection as Fire Chief on November 18, 1998. Chief Havlik will have served over 11 years as Fire Chief at the time of his retirement.
During his administration, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department became a sponsoring organization of Urban Search and Rescue Iowa Task Force-1, a team capable of responding to terrorist incidents, structural collapses caused by earthquakes, tornados, grain elevator explosions, as well as aircraft accidents, floods and other natural or man-made disasters. The Fire Department now staffs firefighter/paramedics at the majority of the fire stations, providing advanced emergency medical care to citizens. During Havlik's time as Chief, the public education program expanded and an annual Citizens' Fire Academy was created to promote the public's awareness of the duties of a firefighter. Also, the Fire Department expanded the Honor Guard, a special unit of the Department that performs ceremonial duties at memorials, funerals, and special events, to 20 members. Under Chief Havlik's direction, all fire stations have been equipped with cardio and resistance training fitness equipment, which is an important means of promoting firefighter health and wellness. Furthermore, the Fire Department upgraded its special operations and hazardous materials teams, and is able to perform many different types of special rescue.
A pivotal moment in Chief Havlik's career was the historic flooding of June 2008. For nearly two weeks, Chief Havlik was the Incident Commander, overseeing evacuation and rescue operations from the Emergency Operations Center. The Fire Department performed 423 boat rescues during the flood event. There was no loss of life during the disaster.
There have been 54 firefighters hired during Chief Havlik's leadership. The Fire Chief promoted 32 firefighters to Captain during his nearly twelve years as the head of the Department. Also, Chief Havlik made the promotion of five Administrative District Chiefs, one Fire Marshal, one Assistant Fire Marshal and two Assistant Fire Chiefs.
The City of Cedar Rapids will begin the application process for Chief Havlik's successor in October.
A public Open House to recognize Fire Chief Havlik's significant contributions to the citizens of Cedar Rapids is being planned for mid-February or early March.
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