Two Naperville cops seeking department’s top job

Naperville officials are considering two internal candidates to replace retiring police Chief David Dial.

Posting for the position closed Friday and City Manager Doug Krieger said he hopes to interview both candidates next week.

“The plan, if we find an internal candidate suitable, will be to make that announcement May 1. If not, we would post the position externally,” Krieger said.

He’s hopeful the position can be filled internally and the city is able to avoid a national search.

“It’s not stated policy, but (internal promotion) is something we traditionally like to do,” he said. “This follows the same track we had for director of public works where we went internal first and didn’t need to go outside.”

When interview dates are set, Krieger said both city employees and the community at large will be invited to be part of the process.

Dial previously said whoever takes his place needs to be a good communicator.

“They need to find a dedicated person who is knowledgeable and has great communication skills,” Dial said. “To be chief here, you have to devote the time and effort to becoming a part of the community and being open enough to also listen to the people who work here, the ones doing the job.”

Dial, 67, is retiring May 18 after a 45-year law-enforcement career and 22 years as Naperville’s chief of police.