Deputy Mount Prospect fire chief retiring; battalion chief promoted

After 30 years, the last two serving as deputy fire chief, Henry Dawson will retire from the Mount Prospect Fire Department on May 29. Battalion Chief Brian Lambel will be promoted to deputy chief on June 2.

Dawson served the department as a firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant/paramedic and battalion chief. He was the team leader of the Hazardous Materials Team Division 1 East and was the liaison for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 1 Fire Chiefs.

“Deputy Chief Dawson has been involved at every level of the organization during his 30 years with the department, and his knowledge and experience will be missed,” said Fire Chief John Malcolm.

For his part, Dawson said the past 30 years “have been a wonderful experience for me, my wife and my children.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for their friendship and support,” he added. “I would also like to thank the village of Mount Prospect for the opportunity to have a rewarding and fulfilling career.”

Lambel, who will be sworn in June 2, has been with the fire department since 2000 — 10 years as a firefighter/paramedic, three years as a lieutenant and two years as battalion chief. Prior to 2000, Lambel worked with the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District.

He has been the team leader of the Mount Prospect Technical Rescue Team and as a Rescue Squad Officer for the Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Team. Lambel is expected to complete his bachelor's degree in Fire Science Administration this summer.

“Brian has proved to be an effective leader in all areas of the fire department and will do an excellent job as deputy chief,” Malcolm said.

As Deputy Chief, Lambel will be responsible for the overall operation and coordination of the fire suppression, emergency medical services and special teams. He will work closely with Malcolm in the overall management of the department.

“I look forward to expanding working relationships with Chief Malcolm, fire department personnel and all village employees in an effort to provide the best service for our citizens and the entire Mount Prospect community,” Lambel said.

Acting Village Manager David Strahl said Dawson has served with distinction.

“I also look forward to working with the new deputy chief ... and feel his experience and desire to be part of the long line of qualified leaders from within the department will benefit the village in ways we have not yet even imagined.”