Off-Duty Detroit FF Shot Dead at His Home
By Ann Zaniewski
Source Detroit Free Press
Aug. 22 -- Jack Wiley II followed his father's career path, joining the Detroit Fire Department in 2014.
He loved his job, had a kind demeanor and was enthusiastic about helping others, Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones said. Wiley recently moved into a new home and was days away from celebrating his 30th birthday.
Now, his shocked family and colleagues are in mourning as police hunt for a killer.
Wiley was found fatally shot at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday inside his home on the 15000 block of Penrod on Detroit's west side.
"Obviously, this is unimaginable to his family, (and to his) fire department family," Jones said. "It's so incredibly sad because here is a young man who went out and put his life at risk, day in and day out, and saved lives, saved property for the citizens of Detroit.
"He was just an outstanding member of the community, every single day. It’s just unbelievable."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Wiley's home was ransacked.
Wiley's vehicle, a black Ford Expedition, was taken. It was found later in the day, burned, at Tillman and Poplar, said Detroit Police Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Detroit Police Department's homicide division at 313-596-2260.
Wiley's father, Jack Wiley, is a retired Detroit Fire senior chief.
The younger Wiley joined the department in November 2014 and spent most of his career with Engine 57, Jones said. He recently moved to Squad 1, a heavy rescue squad.
Jones, who knew Wiley personally, described him as a "gentle giant" — he stood over 6 feet, 6 inches, he said, and was very caring toward others.
"He was just a wonderful person who loved his job," Jones said. "He loved serving the citizens, he loved fighting fires, he loved providing medical care and protecting the citizens.
"This is a tragedy."
Wiley's homicide isn't the first to befall the fire department.
In December 2015, firefighter David Madrigal was found fatally beaten in his Detroit home. Three people were convicted in his death and are serving prison time.
Jones said he wanted to ask the public to keep members of the fire department in their prayers.
Marc Daalder contributed to this report.
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