Lake Zurich fire chief denies domestic battery allegations, is put on leave
Lake Zurich Fire Chief David Wheelock is on paid administrative leave after domestic battery charges were filed against him, officials confirmed Thursday.
Wheelock, 54, was arrested after a dispute with his estranged wife that started Sunday, May 3, and resumed the next morning, according to Lake County sheriff's police. Wheelock is accused of attacking his estranged wife in a home they have shared on the 21000 block of West Highland Drive in an unincorporated area near Lake Zurich, authorities said.
Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Curtis Gregory said Wheelock pushed the woman into a wall and threatened her. Sheriff's deputies were called to Lake Zurich police headquarters at 5:43 p.m. Monday to take a report on a domestic battery involving a village fire department member, authorities said.
Cynthia Vargas, a spokeswoman for the Lake County state's attorney's office, said the woman testified at a probable cause hearing that her right upper arm was bruised. Vargas said Wheelock stated at the same hearing he might have grabbed his estranged wife's arm as he was trying to get an iPad.
Documents show Wheelock was charged with domestic battery/bodily harm and domestic battery/physical contact. His attorney, Christina Ivashchenko, said her client denies all of the accusations and issued a statement on his behalf.
"Chief Wheelock is an outstanding citizen and an exemplary fire chief who has dedicated his entire life to serving and protecting his friends and neighbors in Lake Zurich," Ivashchenko said. "Often in highly emotional family situations, facts become distorted. Mr. Wheelock looks forward to the legal system allowing him to prove his innocence. He is going through a difficult time in his personal life and right now that is his primary concern."
He is to appear for a circuit court hearing Wednesday, May 27. He was freed from the Lake County jail after posting 10 percent of a $25,000 bail.
Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton said Wheelock has been on administrative leave since Tuesday. He said the chief's job status is pending an internal investigation. Wheelock is to receive $131,082 as fire chief during the new budget season that started May 1.
Village Manager Jason Slowinski issued a statement regarding Wheelock's arrest.
"The village does not condone nor will it tolerate this type of conduct by any of its employees, as it is not consistent with the values of our organization and community," Slowinski said.
Division Chief John Kelly will serve as Lake Zurich's acting fire chief and emergency management director while Wheelock is on administrative leave.
In a separate but related case, a Lake County judge has issued an emergency order of protection against Wheelock on behalf of the estranged wife, based on claims she made at a court hearing. She indicated he made death threats against her, according to the court documents.
Wheelock must remain at least 500 feet away from her and cannot have any physical, oral, written, third party or social media contact with her. She filed for divorce in February, Lake County court records show.
In July 2014, Wheelock was lauded for reaching 35 years as a village department employee. He was a Lake Zurich High School student when he began as a fire department cadet, then was hired as a paramedic in 1979.
As part of the festivities, Wheelock received a village proclamation that called him "a role model for the entire Lake Zurich-area community and as an exemplary American citizen."
Wheelock worked his way to deputy fire chief, where he remained for 20 years until he was sworn in for the top post in August 2011. He replaced Terry Mastandrea, who retired after spending 21 years as chief.