Naperville fire chief ousted

Naperville Fire Chief John Wu is no longer employed by the city.

His departure is effective immediately, although neither Wu nor City Manager Pro Tem Bob Marshall would discuss the reason behind it.

"It's a personnel matter," Marshall said Wednesday. "I'm not going to comment any further other than to say we wish to thank Chief Wu for 5½ years of service and wish him well in future endeavors."

The two men also would not discuss whether Wu has resigned or been fired.

"I'm still looking at my options," Wu said. "I don't know yet. I have to do some research."

He had kind words for his former colleagues.

"I have been given a great opportunity to lead a very progressive department and am honored to have worked and served with the men and women of that department," Wu said. "They are a huge gift to the city. They absolutely believe in service and serve the city with compassion and distinction."

Assistant Chief Mike Zywanski will take over as acting chief. He declined comment Wednesday and directed questions to Marshall.

Wu was hired in 2002 with 20 years of experience under his belt, having worked in Texas and Colorado fire departments.

His career in Naperville hit a snag in late 2006 after he was arrested on two misdemeanor charges of domestic battery, accused of punching his then-17-year-old son in the abdomen during an argument.

The charges later were dismissed after Wu complied with mandated family counseling sessions.

He initially was suspended from his post with pay while the city investigated the incident but returned to the department less than a month later. Officials at that time would not discuss any punishment.

Terry Klein, chairman of the Naperville board of fire and police commissioners, said Wednesday he was shocked to hear the news of Wu's departure. Fire chiefs report to the city manager, not the commission.

"From my dealing with Chief Wu, I certainly respected the man and the character of the man," Klein said. "I certainly didn't have any dealings with him that were negative … and I certainly enjoyed working with him."

Councilman Robert Fieseler said he has personally had a good experience with Wu but is "confident in Bob Marshall's judgment as city manager."

"As a rookie councilman, Chief Wu was generous with sharing his insights with me on the operation of his department," Fieseler said. "He … did a good job in orienting me and other councilmen in the operation of the fire department and what the priorities should be."

Marshall said he will be meeting with human resources personnel to talk about the process of selecting a new chief.

In the meantime, Councilman Doug Krause spoke highly of Zywanski's capability to head the department in the interim.

"He's a very good, qualified candidate taking over," Krause said. "I think he'll continue (his) service to the city with honor. He's an excellent choice as acting chief."

Police Chief David Dial said he had a good relationship with Wu and wishes him well. He said he hopes to continue that relationship with Zywanski.

"I'll talk to Mike and tell him if there's anything I can do to help along the way I'll certainly be glad to do so and do everything we can to continue the relationship we've had in the past with fire department," Dial said.