Costa Mesa Fire chief on medical leave

As Costa Mesa says goodbye to Police Chief John Hensley, who retires today, Fire Chief Jim Ellis has left his job on medical leave, and it is unknown when he will return, city officials said.

Ellis has been with the department for about 30 years and has been chief since 2001. He sent a June 19 e-mail to the Fire Department; it said that on the previous Friday, his family doctor had recommended he stay off the job “for a while.”

City Manager Allan Roeder said he cannot discuss the reason for the leave because it is a personnel matter, and it is not known when Ellis might resume his duties.

“That really at this point in time is between he and his personal physician, and, of course, we will have our human resources division working with him as well,” Roeder said Thursday.

Costa Mesa Fire Assn. President Jeff Janzen said the reason for Ellis’ leave is unclear.

“Right now we are working with city staff to resolve whatever issues we do have,” Janzen said.

Ellis, 53, could not be reached for comment.

In Ellis’ absence, Deputy Fire Chief Greg Steward is acting as chief, Roeder said.

The chief’s absence is the latest shake-up on the city’s public safety roster. Police Chief Hensley’s last day with the city is today. He announced his retirement in April, after heading the police department since 2003.

It was widely speculated that Hensley was leaving because of controversy over the council’s decision in December to train police for immigration enforcement, but he denied that claim. Hensley said in an interview that a rift had opened between him and some employees who disagreed with how he ran the department and he could no longer move the organization forward.

Interim Police Chief Steven H. Staveley, former chief in La Habra, officially takes the reins of the department Saturday. He will serve until a permanent chief is named, likely within four months. Roeder said Thursday the search for a new chief is under way and going well.

? Lauren Vane contributed to this story.dpt.30-ellis-BPhotoInfoNG1SGBLQ20060630htq6zkn1(LA)Costa Mesa Fire Chief Jim Ellis