Naperville Fire Chief Named Fire Chief Of The Year 2017

NAPERVILLE, IL -- Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis was selected as the 2017 Illinois Fire Chief of the Year. The honor was awarded by the Illinois State Crime Commission and Police Athletic League of Illinois.

The Illinois State Crime Commission and the Police Athletic League of Illinois presents the award to the state's "best individual leaders and champions from government and industry" who have distinguished themselves in contributing to their communities.

Chief Puknaitis is being honored for "his impressive innovations in the fire service, dedication to public safety, training, pro-active firefighting methods and for exemplary service to Naperville's citizens."

The award will be presented to Chief Puknaitis at the June 21 "Salute to Those Who Make a Difference" Awards Dinner at Oak Brook Terrace.

According to a press release from the City of Naperville, City Manager Doug Krieger said “this is a truly well-deserved recognition of Chief Puknaitis’s innovative leadership of the Naperville Fire Department and substantial contributions to our community."

The press release said "the Illinois State Crime Commission/Police Athletic League of Illinois is a non-profit organization committed to combating public corruption and strengthening the criminal justice system in the State of Illinois."

Article image provided by City of Naperville