James Tobin, fire chief and director for the city of Rio Rancho’s Fire and Rescue Department, has resigned, according to a city of Rio Rancho news release.
Tobin has been on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave since June 20, and his resignation is effective Aug. 5.
“I have decided it’s in the best interest of my family and health that I step down as fire chief,” Tobin says in the news release. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Rio Rancho for the past five years, and lead the brave men and women of the Fire and Rescue Department.”
City Manager James Jimenez has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Michael Meek as acting fire chief and director for Rio Rancho Fire Rescue. Meek has been with the city since 1994, the news release states.
A national search to find a permanent replacement for Tobin will begin immediately.
Tobin came to Rio Rancho in July 2006 to oversee the city’s fire operations and emergency medical services. Prior to working in Rio Rancho, Tobin oversaw fire departments in Florida and Massachusetts, according to the news release.
-- Email the reporter at rmartinez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-975-3645
