By Rozanna M. Martinez
Albuquerque Journal
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Rio Rancho’s fire chief resigned Wednesday, saying the backlash from a recent hazing incident in the department was damaging his health.
James Tobin, who became Rio Rancho’s fire chief in 2006, began medical leave on June 20. He said friction from a hazing incident that occurred at Rio Rancho Fire Rescue in May was too much to bear and made his blood pressure rise so significantly his doctor advised him go on medical leave.
Tobin claims he received threatening telephone calls at home and anonymous letters saying “watch out, it will be the end of your career.”
A city news release issued on June 14 said an investigation into the hazing incident had been concluded and that five employees had been disciplined. The investigation, which began in mid-May, found that five male employees engaged in the “continuous harassment” of a new male employee regarding the “size of his genitalia.”
The city said the disciplinary actions ranged from a written reprimand to a 30-day suspension without pay. The city has refused to release the names of the employees.
Battalion Chief Paul Bearce implemented a training program on all types of workplace harassment in response to the allegations. All employees in the department completed the mandatory training in June.
Tobin said Wednesday he was responsible for handing down the suspensions and believes disgruntled employees might be to blame for threats against him.
According to city manager James Jimenez, an anonymous letter was faxed to the city on May 25 alleging “certain concerns” with Tobin’s conduct. Jimenez said in an email that he authorized an inquiry into the allegations after city officials were able to speak with the person who claimed to have sent the letter.
The inquiry began on June 13 and was completed on July 18.
“We could not corroborate any allegations that Tobin discriminated against anyone based on their sexual orientation,” Jimenez said in an email to the Journal.
Tobin said he has never m ade derogator y comments regarding anyone’s sexual preference and that he is “mortified” by the allegations.
Tobin said he believes the accusations stemmed from employees upset with him over the hazing incident and the discipline rendered.
“I can’t defend myself against anonymous allegations,” Tobin said. “I’m a good fire chief. The whole thing is upsetting. I’m tired of it all. It took a toll on me.”
Mayor Tom Swisstack said in a telephone interview that Tobin had done a good job as chief, particularly in managing the transition to a standalone department. Before 2007, the fire and police departments were combined.
During the city’s inquiry that begin June 13, allegations against Deputy Fire Chief Michael Meek were raised and addressed, according to Jimenez. Meek, who has been with the city since 1994, has been appointed by Jimenez as acting fire chief and director for Rio Rancho Fire Rescue.
Jimenez did not respond to a question about the findings of that inquiry.
A national search for a new chief will begin immediately, according to a city news release.
Tobin, whose annual salary was $93,371, came to Rio Rancho in July 2006 to oversee the city’s fire operations and emergency medical services. The department has close to 100 employees, Bearce said.
Before coming to Rio Rancho, Tobin oversaw fire departments in Florida and Massachusetts, the news release states.
Copyright 2011 Albuquerque Journal