St. Charles Council Honors Retiring Fire Chief

The St. Charles City Council on Monday paid homage to Fire Chief Patrick Mullen for five years of service to the city, a service that will end with his retirement later this month.

“Many of you may know Chief Mullen is retiring at the end of this month, following what seems like a very brief five years here in St. Charles,” Mayor Donald DeWitte said as he prepared to read the resolution honoring Mullen’s service to the city. “But your accomplishments have been significant. … It’s my privilege to present to you this following proclamation.”

Mullen began his career in St. Charles on Oct. 1, 2007, after serving the Naperville Fire Department for 19 years, attaining the rank of assistant chief before he left, according to the resolution, which applauds his five years of “distinguished, dedicated and honorable service” to St. Charles.

The resolution also commends him for “tremendous leadership” and “demonstrated commitment” to the department.

During his tenure, Mullen directed the construction of the new headquarters fire station in the downtown and the enhancement of the city’s emergency operations center, as well as the purchase of a new ladder truck for the department.

The resolution credits Mullen with improving the training of all city employees in emergency and disaster planning. That included an integrated emergency management course over the summer.

Also under Mullen’s leadership, the city has been pursuing the accreditation of the St. Charles Fire Department, which the department expects to attain in 2013. Further, the resolution states that Mullen has “elevated the quality” of the fire department staff through enhanced communication, high expectations and clear direction, which in turn has improved the department’s overall services and programs.

“Thank you Mr. Mayor, members of the council,” Mullen said. “I have had the privilege for 35 years to work in a career that allowed me to do meaningful work, perform services to benefit my community and to serve with very dedicated people. I thank all of your for the opportunity to serve the citizens of St. Charles … I think we’ve done some pretty neat things together.

“I will treasure the sentiments of this resolution,” Mullen continued. “Regina and I have made our home here in St. Charles, and here we tend to remain, so this isn’t goodbye so much as it’s — see you later.”