The future financial stability of the family of a 51-year-old Buffalo Grove firefighter who passed away from colon cancer is now in the hands of three appellate court judges. On Tuesday, they began reviewing the case that could determine whether the widow and four children of Kevin Hauber will receive the full pension benefits he was awarded as a line-of-duty death.

The Village of Buffalo Grove has taken its appeal to the Second District Appellate Court, challenging a 2018 decision by the Firefighters’ Pension Board that granted the family 100% of the line-of-duty death pension. This ruling was later upheld by a Lake County Circuit Court judge earlier this year. The village is now seeking to overturn that decision, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent.

Village officials expressed concerns that awarding full benefits could lead to costly legal challenges in the future. According to the village attorney, while Hauber served with distinction for 23 years—responding to over 127 fire calls—the evidence did not meet the state’s strict requirements for the 100% line-of-duty benefit.

"There is no direct evidence that he was exposed to carcinogens or toxic smoke that caused his colon cancer," said the village attorney, highlighting the lack of concrete proof linking his illness to his job.

However, the Hauber family's attorney argued that the job description for firefighters clearly states that exposure to toxic substances, including carcinogens, is part of the role. They believe the pension board correctly determined that Hauber’s cancer was a direct result of his service.

Appellate Justice Joseph Birkett noted that the lower court had thoroughly reviewed Hauber’s medical history. His records showed no family history of colon cancer, and genetic testing confirmed no predisposition. "He was 51, healthy, and not a drinker. He was exposed to fires, and the village’s own job description includes exposure to toxic substances," Birkett stated. "Firefighters face cancer risks, and there is evidence in the record that he was exposed to smoke and chemicals."

The village attorney pointed out that Hauber never formally reported any incidents involving exposure to harmful chemicals during his career. This, they argue, weakens the claim that his cancer was work-related.

Currently, the Hauber family receives a surviving spouse benefit of 75% of Hauber’s final salary, which amounts to about $76,161 per year. In addition, the pension board awarded them an extra $25,000 annually, based on the belief that his cancer was caused by his firefighting duties. The village estimates that upholding the 100% benefit would cost an additional $1.7 million over time.

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