Out of a perceived possible threat following comments from local lawmakers, Valley Children’s Hospital is paying for 24-hour security for its CEO.

Valley Children’s confirmed to GV Wire that CEO Todd Suntrapak is receiving security paid for by the hospital at his local home.

Related Story: Records Show That Valley Children’s Leader Suntrapak’s Pay Exceeds ...

Valley Children’s communications director Zara Arboleda said the security assignment was in response to comments made by Fresno leaders.

“Let’s be clear — that is the consequence of two elected officials stirring up fear and outrage simply to promote themselves with absolutely no regard for the impact of their words on individuals, our organization and our community,” Arboleda said.

She did not clarify what specific comments caused the concern. Arboleda did not say whether any threats had been made. When asked if any police reports had been filed, a Fresno Police Department spokesman declined to answer the question, saying a public records request would have to be filed. GV Wire has filed a request.

Related Story: Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO

Fresno Councilmembers Bredefeld, Arias Vocal About Executive Compensation at VCH

Fresno City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Garry Bredefeld held a news conference last Wednesday after news came about high compensation rates for executives at Valley Children’s.

That same day, Bredefeld appeared on KMJ’s Ray Appleton Show with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to debate compensation rates.

Valley Children’s maintains the $5.1 million it reported for Suntrapak’s pay on a 2021 IRS Form 990 is the result of two annual bonuses being reported in one year.

In 2020, the hospital reported $5.5 million in pay for Suntrapak.

The $20 million spent on executive pay in 2021 made up 2.59% of the hospital’s expenses that year. That same year, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital spent .57% of expenses on executive pay.

Related Story: While Valley Children’s Executives Earn Millions, Community Benefits Lag

Bredefeld said he’s received threats many times and when necessary, provides for his own security. He said threats have no place in public discourse and if any had been made, they should be reported to law enforcement. But he said that public debate and a free press reporting on debate are fundamental American values.

“I would encourage the leadership of Valley Children’s to reflect on why their actions are generating such public anger and the goodwill and trust they had with the public has been so damaged,” Bredefeld said.