The future financial stability of a 51-year-old Buffalo Grove firefighter’s family, who passed away from colon cancer, is now in the hands of three appellate court judges. The judges are currently reviewing a decision that awarded his widow and four children the full pension benefits they received as a result of his death.

The case centers on an appeal by the Village of Buffalo Grove to the Second District Appellate Court, challenging a 2018 ruling that granted the Hauber family 100% line-of-duty death pension benefits. This decision was initially approved by the Firefighters’ Pension Board and later confirmed by a Lake County Circuit Court judge earlier this year.

Village officials argue that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to costly legal challenges in the future. According to the village attorney, while Kevin Hauber served the community for 23 years, including over 127 fire calls, the evidence presented did not meet the state’s requirements for the full line-of-duty benefit.

"There's no direct proof that he was exposed to carcinogens or toxic smoke that caused his colon cancer," said Nichols, the village attorney.

However, the Hauber family’s attorney countered that the job description for firefighters clearly outlines exposure to hazardous materials, including cancer-causing substances. They emphasized that the nature of the job inherently involves such risks.

During the hearing, Appellate Justice Joseph Birkett noted that the lower court had reviewed Hauber’s medical history, which showed no family history of colon cancer, confirmed through genetic testing. "He was 51, healthy, non-drinker, with no genetic predisposition. He was exposed to fires, and the village’s own job description acknowledges exposure to toxic substances," Birkett stated.

The village attorney pointed out that Hauber never filed a formal complaint about potential exposure to harmful chemicals during his career, which they believe weakens the case for the full pension benefit.

Currently, the Hauber family receives a 75% survivor’s pension, equivalent to $76,161 per year. In addition, the pension board awarded them approximately $25,000 annually, based on the conclusion that Hauber’s colon cancer was directly linked to his work as a firefighter.

Village officials have expressed concerns about the financial impact of the 100% pension award, estimating it would cost the village an additional $1.7 million. They argue that the ruling sets a problematic standard for future cases.

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