An Indiana native, Carmel Fire Chief, Dave Haboush, has always believed in giving back to something larger than himself. With his parents serving as extraordinary role models, he vividly recalls moments of inspiration watching his mother selflessly devote her time to their community while his father provided a guiding example of relentless hard work and exemplary character.
Holding a position of public service for over three decades, pinpointing his desire to be a community leader is easy– his involvement in his high school’s Student Government led him to a life of servant leadership. Growing up the youngest of five, after high school, he studied Political Science (a degree he feels prepared him for any career in life) and became the first college graduate in his family.
To fund his post-secondary education, Dave worked at a box manufacturing company, and aspired to join the sales team after college. Post graduation, he handed his resume to HR, and landed what he thought was his dream job. But as this career advanced, he soon discovered the job he once longed for was falling short of his expectations. He reflected, “It’s amazing to me when people know right out of high school exactly what they plan to do the rest of their lives. For me, that just wasn’t the case. Fortunately, we end up exactly where we are supposed to be more often than not.”
Reflecting on what next career move would truly matter most, Dave recalled that a large component of his happiness has always been connected to being on a team and giving back to the community.
In 1991, he met a Carmel Fire Department dispatcher who pushed him to apply for an opening at the station because she believed in his ability to serve and lead. Shortly after, Dave embarked on the second half of his career journey and worked his way up the station ranks. In 2006, he was promoted to Deputy Chief, and in 2015, Dave took on the mantle of Fire Chief- the highest level of responsibility.
Today, he admires how the Fire Department supports all members of the community in times of crisis and moments of joy. With a smile you can hear, he recalls, “My family looks different today than when I started, and while my family gives me great joy, everything good in my life that continues, I can point to Carmel Fire as the source.”
The way the department connects people from all ages and stages of life has provided some of the most fulfilling moments in his life. More than anything, Dave is grateful for the impact of the department on his own life. He calls it “the one constant,” and is grateful for the support he has received from the department and Carmel community through every phase of his life. For Dave, he truly believes in service to others and strongly affirms that caring for others provides the greatest gifts life can offer.