Longtime Firefighter James Angell Becomes Chicago Heights Fire Chief

In his 26th year as a firefighter, James "Jamie" Angell is now the Chief of the .

Angell has been with the department for eight years, .

Since Martello's departure the city has received more than 50 applicants for the coveted position, with a selection committee narrowing down the list of candidates for Mayor David Gonzalez to choose from.

"I looked at the top three, and it is my honor to appoint Deputy Chief Angell to the position of fire chief," Gonzalez said in the council chambers at City Hall, adding that he would like to see more internal hiring within the city government.

After being sworn in by City Clerk Lori Wilcox, Angell took a moment to celebrate his new position, taking photos with his niece and exchanging embraces with family, friends and colleagues.

"I’m actually in awe," Angell said. "I’ve worked hard to get here my whole career. It’s just something you always aspire for, and you just hope that you obtain it."

Despite being grateful for his new position, Angell said he has had plenty of work on his hands in the past months, including assisting in major projects such as the at the , and the addition of Olympia Fields to the department's ambulance and fire coverage zone.

"It’s really been hard to stop and think about what’s happening because it’s been so busy in the city," Angell said. "I hope that (the mayor) will appoint an assistant chief soon to give me a couple more hands. It’s been a little hectic."

Angell thanked his wife, his secretary Phyllis Petrongelli, the union and all of the firefighters for making his life easier in recent months.

He also mentioned his former boss, Tom Martello, who is still a good friend and mentor.

"He called to congratulate me, his wife called to congratulate me," Angell said. "We stay in contact and I still can rely on him if I have too."

See video of Fire Chief James Angell being sworn in above.