Dowell Firefighters Choose to Go to the "Back of the Line"

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dowell Fire Chief Allen Cavitt, 54, has served his department for 28 years, the last 12 years as its chief.

This week, Allen and three other key officers in the department stepped down because as Allen puts it, "It's time to go to the back of the line and turn this over to the younger firefighters."

Allen will become the department's safety officer and the vacancy is being filled by David Hock, who has been elected the new fire chief. Assistant Fire Chief Clem Jenson steps down and that position will be filled by Kyle Black. Lee Stuart will replace Bryant Davis as secretary and Caroline Williams will replace Stuart Davis as the department's treasurer.

"We are kind of getting older and we are looking for younger ones to take our spots. They all have firefighter II certifications," he said. "They have a big role to fill. They are getting a new fire truck and they will need to know computers more than we did," he said. "If we don't, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (that sponsors some of the grants) will start taking some of this equipment away," he said.

The newest piece of equipment on its way is a Freightliner four-door pumper valued at over $230,000. Cavitt credits David Hock with putting much of that proposal together. In recent years the department has purchased a truck, new bunker gear, air packs and more. The future may include building onto the rear of the fire station.

The department benefits from two pumpers, one service truck, one brush truck and one rescue truck.

Here's the amazing part.

The Village of Dowell benefits from an all-volunteer fire department, one of the most diligent and committed departments in the State of Illinois. Through a mutual aid agreement, it enjoys a long-standing friendship and commitment with the Du Quoin and Elkville departments.

On many calls, Dowell firefighters join Du Quoin firefighters as first responders.

There is no compensation, no pensions and no pay-per-call stipend that other departments benefit from. "No one is paid," said Cavitt. There are 15 firefighters on the roster. Instead, the department benefits from huge support from the village board and from annual fundraisers.

Because of that, the Village of Dowell benefits from a Class 5 insurance industry fire protection rating, a valuable rating in saving residents money on their homeowners' insurance.

Cavitt says the younger men on the department benefit from their youth, their athleticism and strength and a grasp of the computer and software world that will be part of their future.

Cavitt says the future of the department is in good hands, and adds, "It's just time."

That doesn't mean he won't be watching. "Nobody is getting hurt in this department. I don't want anyone going home and having to explain an accident to their wives," he said.

"They are well-trained. I make sure of that. And, if they don't pay attention, I'll be back," he smiles.