Wellington fire chief still on leave, community awaits city manager’s decision

WELLINGTON, Kan. (KSNW) – Public worry and tensions are growing in Wellington as City Manager Jeff Porter has a decision to make. Wellingotn’s Fire and EMS Chief, Tim Robben, remains on administrative leave. 

Robben was placed on administrative leave just six weeks after he took the reign on Jan. 8. 

Porter was the one who made the decision to hire him as well as place him on leave. He would not give his reasons for the choice to place Robben on leave, but he said he still backs bringing Robben aboard. 

“Hiring/firing decisions of senior staff are mine, and I think I hired the best candidate out of the ones that were interviewed. Others may disagree with me,” said Porter. 

Porter confirmed that a panel was selected for the hiring process. Members of the panel included several members with ER or hospital backgrounds.

Concerns had grown over Chief Robben’s lack of fire certifications. But, Porter said, he was hired to find someone to lead the department. 

“I was not looking to hire the best firefighter, the best paramedic, the best EMT, I was looking to hire the person that I felt could effectively administrator an agency,” said Porter. 

Staff members had said they were concerned about the number of calls Chief Robben that have gone out on since he was hired. However, Porter defends Robben, saying the new chief hasn’t been given time to understand the system, and he adds that it’s an unfair expectation for an administrator to go to every call. 

“Did he take calls? Yes, he went out on calls. Was he on every call? No. Chief Robben had been here six weeks, he was learning our protocols, he was learning the things that he needed to learn to be an effective member of the team,” said Porter.

City Councilmember Rick Roitman said the council has yet to be told what the city manager’s reasons were for placing Chief Robben on leave. 

“Frankly, they were not shared with us. We are the first hearing panel for any appeals that might come out of this, so we don’t know the reasons he was put on administrative leave. I can tell you that much,” said Roitman. 

He said the entire situation has caused negative attention for Wellington. 

“It’s not a good look for us, I’m afraid,” said Roitman. 

Roitman said this will take a while to resolve, but experienced staff remaining in the department will keep them afloat. 

“Three assistant chiefs, who are all very experienced and very qualified, will take the reins and move us in the right direction,” said Roitman. 

There is some growing concern over retirements that may come in March if nothing is resolved. Roitman said the city council has little to say about what comes next. He’s awaiting the city manager’s decision on who will lead Wellington EMS and Fire. 

KSN reached out to Chief Robben. He has yet to respond for comment.