(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Just over a year after being sworn in as Salem Lakes Fire Chief, retired Kenosha Fire Department Captain Al Carr has decided to hang up his helmet once again. Carr, who came out of retirement in 2023 to lead the department during a period of upheaval, announced his second retirement in July.
The Salem Lakes Village Board has approved Trustee Peter Poli to fund the search for his replacement.
Carr’s appointment last year was widely viewed as a stabilizing move after the previous chief and fire inspector alienated several businesses in the area. Village officials credit Carr with restoring professionalism and morale within the department during his short tenure.
Officials Praise Carr’s Leadership
Several board members and Village President Rita Bucur offered statements praising Carr’s service.
Trustee Peter Poli kept his remarks brief but appreciative:
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Fire Chief Al Carr for his service and dedication to the Village of Salem Lakes and I wish him all the best.”
Trustee Dennis Faber noted the difficult circumstances under which Carr took the job:
“Al came in to help the village after our former chief and fire inspector had alienated several businesses. I believe he did an excellent job considering those difficult circumstances and wish him the best in his retirement.”
Village President Rita Bucur issued a more detailed tribute on behalf of the board:
“The Village Board extends our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Fire Chief Al Carr for his outstanding service and dedication to our community. Chief Carr has been a pillar of strength, leadership, and professionalism throughout his short tenure with the Salem Lakes Fire Department.
“He rose to the arduous task at a critical time and should be recognized for his deep sense of duty, his dedication to our community and of the heroic profession he clearly loves. Our ask of him was to help organize, train, recruit and energize our Fire Department staff and to help mend relationships in our business community.
“His exceptional commitment to public safety has realized many great achievements and the department has grown in capability, embraced much needed change, and strengthened its ties with residents.
“Chief Carr exemplifies the meaning of courage, compassion, and excellence. The Board thanks him for his selfless service and, while we are sad to see him leave us, wishes him all the best in retirement.”
Next Steps
With Carr stepping down, the village has allocated $12,500 to begin the process of selecting a new fire chief. It’s not yet clear whether the search will be conducted internally, through a recruiting agency, or via public job postings.
Carr had previously retired from the Kenosha Fire Department with the rank of Captain. His return to public service in Salem Lakes was seen as a goodwill gesture and a commitment to improving fire and rescue services for the village.
Kenosha County Eye reached out to Chief Carr for comment on his tenure and retirement but did not receive a response.
5 Responses
And another waste of money. Throwing tens of thousands of dollars at strangers to pick a chief that looks good on paper never works. Ask around, post the position, interview, do the work and find the best candidate. Just because someone has a nice resume doesn’t mean they’ll make a great leader. Great leaders have a reputation to back them up, do research.
You can thank Hiller for that idea, she spent money like water.
Amen to that! So true
Al Carr has been an excellent Chief, though some may disagree. Nobody can be perfect or please everyone; it’s just not realistic. Politics is a tough and unforgiving field, and sometimes you have to accept what you have. I was really hoping Al would stay, especially with the Village going through a needed management transition. Al is a true professional, and that’s exactly what Salem needs right now to steady the ship. I encountered some old board supporters, despicable people who seem to want the Village to tear itself apart again. I believe it won’t take much to get things back on track, so let’s be patient and help where we can. Thanks, Al.
Rumor has it… he submitted a letter resending his letter of resignation. Apparently Carr and Hiller did not get along and now that she’s leaving, he’s staying
But. Now if they’d only get rid of Jill…