Naperville losing assistant fire chief

A regional search for the next St. Charles fire chief has ended in Naperville.

St. Charles officials announced Monday the selection of assistant Naperville fire chief Patrick Mullen for the job.

The city council is expected to approve the appointment next week. Mullen, 50, would start Oct. 1 at a salary of $128,000 and be up for reappointment annually.

Mullen has more than 30 years of firefighting experience, a bachelor's degree in fire service management and a master's degree in public administration.

He said coming to St. Charles would fulfill a personal goal of continuing to work in the Chicago area, where he grew up, and a professional goal of leading a strong department with a good reputation.

"It's exciting," Mullen said. "I look forward to building new relationships with new people and building a dialogue. And I just love the fire service."

Mullen would replace former chief Alan Schullo, who retired in July. He was among 50 applicants from across the Midwest, officials said.

In addition to his background, Mullen's "calm demeanor" during a six-month interview process helped separate him from the others, said Mayor Don DeWitte.

"I was impressed with his ease in dealing with people," DeWitte said. "The fire department is a fairly high-strung organization, and I sense he will be able to deal in that environment with those personalities very well."

Mullen has worked for the Naperville department for 20 years, including as a firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant and captain.

Among the challenges before him in St. Charles are the construction of a new downtown fire station, the negotiation of a contract with the firefighters union, and studying the feasibility of a fourth fire station.

Another duty is becoming familiar with the department and community, Mullen said.

"Before I make great pronouncements, there's some research and getting-to-know-each-other that has to be done," he said. "I don't have any preconceived notions about what this fire department needs."

Mullen currently lives in Naperville with his wife, Regina, of 29 years. They have one daughter, who lives in Maryland.