Sedgwick County’s EMS director has resigned a few days after being placed on paid administrative leave. County commissioners held a special closed-door meeting Friday and approved a mutually-agreed settlement with Dr. John Gallagher.
The agreement will pay Dr. Gallagher $85,177.85, which is the equivalent of four and a half months’ salary. Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner said the settlement limits the county’s exposure, risk and liability, and it is tied to a contractual obligation to Dr. Gallagher. In a press release, Meitzner extended well wishes to Dr. Gallagher for his future endeavors and appreciation for his service.
Dr. Gallagher’s resignation is effective July 23rd. He had served as director since August, 2019.
Meitzner said all public and private organizations have personnel issues they have to address, “but our Sedgwick County mission and work remain solid to provide quality public services to this community.” He said the county now wants to move forward in a positive direction for the EMS department.
Dr. Gallagher was placed on administrative leave with pay on Monday, and County Manager Tom Stolz said the EMS and Office of Medical Director would be separated. The two agencies had been merged in 2019, but the county has been dealing with morale problems and staff resignations at EMS. Commissioner Jim Howell blamed the merger for those issues.
Deputy EMS Director Paul Misasi and EMS Colonel Bill Robben have been placed in charge of managing the EMS department, and an interim director is expected to be named next week. The county is beginning a regional search for a new EMS director.
