Police Chief on Mend After Heart Attack

Police Chief Daryl Wicker is recovering from his recent heart attack, but it is not clear when he will be returning to full-time duty, city officials said this week.

Wicker suffered his second heart attack in three years on March 21 while doing yard work at his home. He was hospitalized in intensive care, but he has since been discharged and is now recovering at home, City Manager Mark J. Ochenduszko said.

Mayor Tom Carroll said Wicker is recovering well “and comes into the office from time to time to talk to people.”

The City Council and City Atty. John E. Cavanaugh held a closed meeting on Monday, before the regular City Council meeting, and the announced topic was “public employee: police chief.” Cavanaugh said that no action was taken during the closed session and that he could not discuss what the “police chief” matter involved.

Wicker, 51, has been with the Cypress Police Department for 29 years and has been chief since 1989. He suffered his first heart attack in 1994 while in a car in Riverside County.

Ochenduszko said Capt. Bob Krauss will continue to serve as acting police chief while Wicker is recovering.