Antioch and Libertyville chiefs say goodbye

Friday was a day for hugs, cheers and a few tears as two longtime public safety chiefs retired, each after 14 years in their posts.

Antioch Fire Chief Dennis Volling and Libertyville Police Chief Pat Carey gave farewells to co-workers and friends at retirement gatherings at their stations.

Volling, 66, began his career as a paid-on-call firefighter in Antioch 44 years ago.

"My buddies claim that I used to feed the horses at the station, but that's not true," Volling smiled.

More than 50 fellow firefighters and other public officials attended the ceremony that included Volling receiving the American flag that's been flying outside the station in downtown Antioch. He also got a ride in on one of the antique firetrucks.

Choking back tears, Volling said it's been a privilege serving alongside such a dedicated team.

"I'm going to miss all of you," Volling said. "The dispatchers, the rescue squad, the other chiefs in the other towns - I'll never forget any of you."

Volling will be replaced by Chief John Nixon, of Algonquin. Nixon, 59, was the Streamwood fire chief until 2006. He's been a commissioner on the Huntley Fire Protection District for the last four years and plans on moving to the Antioch area soon to lead the 85-member department.

Volling said he's most proud of overseeing the construction of the new fire stations on Grass Lake Road and Deep Lake Road.

"They came in on time and under budget," he said.

With a vacation house in northern Wisconsin, Volling says he's looking forward to spending more time there with his wife, Kathleen.

Halfway across the county, Libertyville said goodbye to Police Pat Chief Carey.

Carey, 60, started his career as a patrol officer in Glenview in 1976, working his way up to deputy chief before taking the top job in Libertyville.

Carey said he'll miss the daily interaction with village employees, "especially the men and women of the police department."

A long list of home-improvement projects awaits the Libertyville resident.

"There's going to be a couple of months of pain there," Carey said. "I'm going to have to get a job just to protect myself."

Deputy Chief Bob Koval will serve as the acting chief in Libertyville until a permanent replacement is named.

• Russell Lissau contributed to this report.