Westminster Police Chief Kevin Baker has been on a medical leave since Oct. 14, which councilwoman Margie Rice characterized as an “administrative stress leave” at a City Council meeting in December.
City Manager Eddie Manfro later clarified that Baker is on a “work-related medical leave,” and is being paid full salary through worker’s compensation regulations, although he could not comment on Baker’s condition.
It is unclear when Baker, who was appointed chief in 2012, will return to work, Manfro said. He’s openly contemplated retirement in recent months.
Deputy Chief Dan Schoonmaker has served as Acting Police Chief in Baker’s absence.
At a Dec. 9 council meeting, Rice questioned whether Baker’s name should be listed on the agenda if he is not personally presenting items. Rice later declined to comment on Baker’s absence.
“I’m not supposed to make any comments – I have been reprimanded for that,” Rice said.
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