Long time Wamego Police Chief Mike Baker is out of a job.
An emailed statement from City Manager Stacie Eichem Wednesday says Baker’s employment with the city ended Wednesday, more than a week after he was suspended, for reasons that are still unclear.
Eichem wrote “The City of Wamego would like to thank Mike Baker for his service to Wamego and its Citizens. We wish him well in the future.”
Deputy Police Chief Paul Schliffke has been named as interim Chief until a permanent replacement is named.
The Wamego Times reported that Baker spoke during public comment at Tuesday’s commission meeting, detailing allegations from Eichem that said “he was insubordinate, struggled to get along with other employees and showed conduct unbecoming of an employee.”
Baker disputes those claims. He also reportedly claimed that Eichem and City Clerk Shanda Jahnke violated policies in the process of suspending him.