Bodycam Footage Contradicts Mayor's Characterization of Fire Chief Termination
Bodycam footage recorded by Estancia Police Chief Tom Carter on February 9, 2026, shows Estancia Mayor Runnel Riley asking Estancia Fire Chief Chris Wolonsky to step down from his position. Riley justified asking Wolonsky to step down by citing liability concerns, including the presence of a baby at the fire station and compliance issues with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
The footage, recorded by an Axon Body 4 camera at 1:03 PM, provides the first direct account of the meeting in which Wolonsky was removed from his position. Trustee Tom Carter was also present during the encounter.
What the Footage Shows
Mayor Runnel Riley Terminates Fire Chief Chris Wolonsky
In the recording, Riley tells Wolonsky that he was asked to step down because certain conditions at the fire station have left the town legally vulnerable.
"Too many things that's got the town in a liable position," Riley says in the footage. "A baby at the fire station every day. And I understand. I have grandchildren, but it's still a public building that the town owns."
Riley also cited what he described as DOT compliance issues with vehicles, saying the situation could "get us sued bad."
The Mountainair Dispatch reviewed the most recent inspection of the Estancia Fire Department's vehicles, conducted on June 25, 2025, and NMDOT determined that the fire department was in compliance with state regulations.
During the conversation with Riley, Wolonsky acknowledged Riley's concerns but expressed disappointment, telling Riley he could have raised any issues with Wolonsky before taking action.
"You couldn't come to me first about all this?" Wolonsky asked.
"I figure any man that's in the position of chief should be in the mode that knows, 'Hey, this could get the town sued. I got this to get this taken care of right away,' instead of letting it go," Riley said.
Riley directed Estancia Police Chief Carter to accompany Wolonsky and to take inventory of his personal belongings at the fire station.
Mayor's Prior Statements Differ in Characterization
In a telephone interview published by the Mountainair Dispatch on February 17, 2026, Riley denied having fired Wolonsky.
"I didn't terminate Chris," Riley said at the time.
Riley said during that interview that Wolonsky "thinks he's fired," but maintained that he is not, and that Wolonsky could seek a position with the department under the newly appointed interim chief.
"All he's got to do is go see the interim chief, and I'm sure he'll find a spot in the fire department for him," Riley said.
Riley's direction of Estancia Police Chief Carter to observe and inventory Fire Chief Wolonsky's personal belongings as Wolonsky cleared them out of the Fire Station is also consistent with termination practices at many businesses. See Sean A. Ahrens, CPP, CSC, FSyl, Involuntary Employment Separation and Termination Strategies, Security Industry Association (undated).
Prior Personnel Changes and Tensions With Board
The removal of Wolonsky is the second significant personnel action Riley has taken since taking office in January 2026. At the January 12, 2026, special meeting of the Board of Trustees, Riley confirmed that he allowed the contract of town clerk Michelle Jones to lapse and appointed Amanda Gallegos in her place. Gallegos resigned shortly after starting work for the town.
Update March 07, 2026: Upon a reader's request, I am including the NMDOT inspection relevant to this matter below.