Brad Bloom started his career in Hinsdale as a 911 operator and community service officer during high school and college more than four decades ago. His official last day on the job is today, Feb. 23. (file photo)
"I remember putting on the uniform for the first time and looking in the mirror. And I was proud," assistant village manager/director of public safety Brad Bloom told Hinsdale trustees Tuesday, reflecting on nearly four decades of village employment that began as a patrol officer.
"These 38 years have gone by like that," he said, snapping his fingers.
Bloom, who is retiring Friday, was honored by the village board at its meeting with a proclamation lauding a career that touched multiple facets of the local landscape.
"Mr. Bloom's dedication to the village has contributed to the high quality of life enjoyed by the Hinsdale community, including our safe streets and neighborhoods," Village President Tom Cauley read from the proclamation. "Brad's partnership with the businesses and civic groups to support their offerings to the village community has been exceptional."
Bloom joined Hinsdale's police department as an officer in December 1984.
He was promoted to sergeant three years later and appointed deputy chief in 2000. In 2003 he was named police chief, a post he held for more than 12 years.
The proclamation noted his involvement with the task force that created the DuPage Narcan Program, which has been credited with saving 500 lives.
He retired as chief in 2016, but that wasn't the end of Bloom's village tenure. The village created the new role of assistant village manager/director of public safety to leverage his expertise and connections both within the village and regionally.
Throughout his career, people often asked if he desired to go elsewhere, Bloom said.
"I never thought about it, because I really enjoyed my time here," he said, crediting village manager Kathleen Gargano for his transition to the manager's office. "Without a doubt, this is a fantastic place to work. I've had nothing but support from the community."
Cauley praised Bloom for his work on some of the most significant municipal matters in recent years.
"As assistant village manager, Brad has been the go-to guy on special projects," Cauley said, citing his shepherding of the Tri-State Tollway expansion, parking garage construction and downtown parking management. "Brad leaves a legacy of professionalism, integrity and dedication to the village and to the service of others."
With his family members watching via Zoom from around the country, Bloom recalled putting on that patrol uniform at his parents' home and thanked wife Deanna for her unwavering support.
"(She) put up with the time that I was away from home, and all the missed birthday parties and all the missed Christmas holidays," he said. "There's a lot of sacrifices that come with this job."
But the good days always outnumbered the bad.
"In my heart of hearts, I was always happy to be here,' Bloom said, wishing the village continued prosperity. "I hope Hinsdale will always remain Hinsdale."
