Ark Valley News - Tormey’s firing was not right

Tormey’s firing was not right
Last Updated: April 12, 2018

I am disgusted and broken hearted to hear that the City of Valley Center Administration Department has fired an employee who has dedicated countless hours to serve and protect the only community that he has ever known. This decision could have been dealt with and corrected in a more professional and courteous manner than what I have witnessed over the last two months. It is very disheartening and worrisome that when two adult employees have a disagreement at work, it can lead to such one-sided judgment from your office.

A disagreement that all started when the city administrator, who has been in this role for two years, went over the fire department leaders and promoted an employee two ranks, without even a consideration for his actions, which led to Rob Tormey not only voicing his frustration but being fired for doing so.

The time that Tormey sacrificed for this community, missing birthdays, family dinners, reunions, responding to calls at all hours of the day, city council meetings, trainings, finishing reports and saving lives and property is astounding.

I will not sit back and watch my dad's reputation be questioned quietly. I can say confidently that I know that the city administrator did not follow policy or procedure in terminating this employee, and that the mayor is protecting her direct employee by sitting back and watching this disappear. I want to encourage anyone who knows Rob Tormey to stand up and demand answers. I encourage the remaining firefighters to take a stand against corruption, and one-sided opinions, to protect yourselves.

My father is a true hero, regardless of this unfortunate decision made by this corrupt office.

Apparently the city administrator is not as smart as he claims. Rob Tormey is now eligible to run for mayor.

— Holly Rasmussen, formerly of Valley Center