St. Charles names new fire chief

An assistant fire chief for the Naperville Fire Department will become the next chief of the St. Charles Fire Department, the city announced today.

Patrick Mullen, a veteran firefighter, is expected to start Oct. 1, pending city council approval. St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte will recommend Mullen's appointment at the Sept. 17 city council meeting.

"Chief Mullen was identified as the top candidate from a pool that was nothing short of outstanding," said Kathy Livernois, the city's human resources director.

Mullen will replace Alan Schullo, who retired in July. The city hired a Lake Bluff-based search firm, The PAR Group, to conduct a nationwide search for candidates.

Mullen has been with the Naperville Fire Department since 1988. A Naperville resident, he will earn an $128,000 annual salary in St. Charles.