Six firefighters promoted in Hoffman Estates

Simply put, all six Hoffman Estates firefighters promoted Monday said helping the community is why they put on the uniform.

"It's the best job in the world," new Deputy Chief Jeff Jorian said.

While the scarce seating Monday inside the Hoffman Estates village boardroom suggested a debate of controversial nature, there was no bickering to be heard. The room filled with firefighters and their beaming families who watched Mayor William McLeod swear six of the village's own into new posts.

"This is a great night for Hoffman Estates, not only does Bob Gorvett become the fire chief, but we have five other firefighters move up in the ranks," McLeod said.

New Chief Robert Gorvett had been head of the department in a temporary capacity since former Chief Kevin Rynders departed in March. Though this was Gorvett's third stint as acting chief, this was the first time he applied for the permanent position. However, he said that he was offered the chief's job previously.

The 55-year-old Gorvett on Monday said he hoped to quickly prove that he is the right choice for the job. Village Manager James Norris selected Gorvett last week, plucking his name from a pool of 25 resumes. Gorvett was the only internal candidate considered.

"I would like to properly thank Mr. Norris for the faith you showed in me for the appointment," Gorvett said.

Gorvett lives in Schaumburg and now has a year to move to Hoffman Estates to satisfy the village's residency requirement to be chief.

Jorian, 50, of Rolling Meadows, has been with the department since 1982. Also sworn-in were: Assistant Chief Greg Schuldt, 48, of Elgin, who has been with the department since 1985; Battalion Chief Thomas Mackie, 45, of Glendale Heights, who has been with the department since 1990; Capt. David Savone, 51, of Fox River Grove, who has been with the department since 1982; and Lt. Donald Richter, 40, of Schaumburg, who has been with the department since 1991.

Savone and Gorvett began their careers as volunteer firefighters. After getting a taste of how satisfying it was helping people, they jumped at the chance to make it a career.

"It's all I ever wanted to do," Schuldt added, also noting that he began as a firefighter more than 30 years ago.

Former Fire Chief Rynders appeared at village hall without wearing his familiar firefighter's uniform. He shared McLeod's sentiment that it was a great time for Hoffman Estates and was proud of his friends he left behind.

"I had to come back for this," Rynders said.