Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff called Cade "a highly accomplished and respected member of the firefighting community," who brings nearly 40 years of emergency management experience to the role of administrator.
"Chief Cade is an excellent pick to be the U.S. Fire Administrator," said International Association of Fire Chiefs President Jim Harmes. "He has the experience and leadership skills to carry on with the work started by former IAFC President and current Under Secretary of Emergency Management Dave Paulison. I look forward to working with him to ensure the preparedness of America's fire service to respond to all hazards."
Cade served as fire chief and emergency services coordinator for Virginia Beach, Va., for the past 8 years, managing 19 fire and rescue stations and several hundred firefighters and emergency response personnel. His department was one of the first fire departments in the nation to be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, and he presided over several federally declared disasters.
Cade began his career as an entry-level fire fighter. He is sponsoring agency chief for Virginia Task Force 2, serves on the National Urban Search and Rescue Team Advisory Board and has held several leadership positions with national fire associations and organizations.