SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The internal situation inside the Salem Lakes Fire Department has escalated, with a second high-ranking official now placed on leave as an ongoing investigation continues behind closed doors.
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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — After Kenosha County Eye became the first news outlet to report on Matt and Annette Flynn’s dispute with the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation over a $12,849 50/50 raffle prize, the story spread to Milwaukee television stations and other media outlets. Now, as the Kenosha couple asks the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review their case, newly disclosed emails reveal that Tyler
William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man accused of threatening to kill a Kenosha police officer, damaging a local business, and harassing families at a Pleasant Prairie hotel was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond Thursday after his attorney raised concerns about his competency to proceed in court. William J. Kelly III, 60,
KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has introduced two new bills in Congress that he says are designed to restore public confidence in government and elections. One measure would prohibit lawmakers from wagering on political outcomes and government actions, while the other would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for
Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun on Thursday set a $2,500 cash bond for a Racine man accused of severely beating a woman during a December incident that allegedly left her with a fractured facial bone. Travion Omari
Michael J. Leahy, 44, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of operating a cocaine distribution business from his home and selling drugs near a public park was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bail Thursday after prosecutors sought $25,000. Defense attorney Hunter
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 15-year-old Kenosha boy charged as an adult is accused of carrying a loaded revolver, fleeing from police, and discarding the firearm during a foot chase near a Wendy’s restaurant. On Thursday, Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail”
Larry K. Sims, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of striking and strangling the mother of his child after she told him she did not want to rekindle their relationship was released Thursday on a $500 cash bail after Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson) KENOSHA, Wis. — A retired Racine police officer accused of crashing his motorcycle into a speed limit sign while allegedly intoxicated was released Thursday on a $1,000 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. Daniel H. Webber, 55, of Kenosha, is
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — After Kenosha County Eye became the first news outlet to report on Matt and Annette Flynn’s dispute with the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation over a $12,849 50/50 raffle prize, the story spread to Milwaukee television stations and other media outlets. Now, as the Kenosha couple asks the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review their case, newly disclosed emails reveal that Tyler
William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man accused of threatening to kill a Kenosha police officer, damaging a local business, and harassing families at a Pleasant Prairie hotel was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond Thursday after his attorney raised concerns about his competency to proceed in court. William J. Kelly III, 60,
KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has introduced two new bills in Congress that he says are designed to restore public confidence in government and elections. One measure would prohibit lawmakers from wagering on political outcomes and government actions, while the other would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for federal elections. The first proposal, known as the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act,
Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun on Thursday set a $2,500 cash bond for a Racine man accused of severely beating a woman during a December incident that allegedly left her with a fractured facial bone. Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
Michael J. Leahy, 44, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of operating a cocaine distribution business from his home and selling drugs near a public park was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bail Thursday after prosecutors sought $25,000. Defense attorney Hunter Fite asked for a $400 cash bail. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 15-year-old Kenosha boy charged as an adult is accused of carrying a loaded revolver, fleeing from police, and discarding the firearm during a foot chase near a Wendy’s restaurant. On Thursday, Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a $5,000 cash bail and instead set
Larry K. Sims, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of striking and strangling the mother of his child after she told him she did not want to rekindle their relationship was released Thursday on a $500 cash bail after Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a substantially higher amount. District Attorney
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson) KENOSHA, Wis. — A retired Racine police officer accused of crashing his motorcycle into a speed limit sign while allegedly intoxicated was released Thursday on a $1,000 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. Daniel H. Webber, 55, of Kenosha, is charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated stemming from a June 11 crash in
Mary A. Collins, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 73-year-old Kenosha woman accused of causing a hit-and-run crash while impaired was released Thursday on a $500 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking a $1,000 cash bond. Mary A. Collins is charged with Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) stemming from a June 15 incident on
KENOSHA, Wis. — Officer Justin Labatore, a member of the Kenosha Police Department since Jan. 25, 2021, has been named the Kenosha Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year. The honor is particularly significant because it was determined by fellow officers. The award recognizes the officer whose peers believe best exemplifies professionalism, dedication, service, and commitment to both the department and the community.
Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica ordered a competency examination Wednesday for a 27-year-old Kenosha man accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of a woman inside the Kenosha Public Library, while setting cash bail at just $250 despite prosecutors seeking $2,000. Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of
Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha, and Vontrell D. Cooks Jr., 17, of Bristol, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court this month after prosecutors charged the pair following a May traffic stop that allegedly led police to a THC vape, marijuana, and a concealed handgun carried by the passenger. Dejah A.
Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Judge David O. Hughes sentenced a Racine man to work release Tuesday after the man pleaded guilty to his third drunk-driving offense, continuing what many see as a longstanding Kenosha County court practice of sparing repeat OWI offenders from straight jail time. Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha
KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents who normally set out their garbage and recycling on Fridays will not see any interruption in service during the Juneteenth holiday this week, according to the City of Kenosha Department of Public Works. The city announced Tuesday that waste and recycling collection will proceed as scheduled on Friday, June 19, 2026, and that there will be no collection delays
KENOSHA, Wis. — A group opposed to expanded gambling is urging government officials to revisit the economic assumptions behind the proposed $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino project in Kenosha County, arguing that major market changes since the original studies were completed have weakened the case for the development. In a press release issued Wednesday, Citizens Against Expanded Gambling said the project’s
Top Row: Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti, 25, and Aidan M. McNab, 20Bottom Row: Natalia R. Borgens Abraham, 19, and Analiese Borgens Abraham, 19(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Four people accused of participating in a retail theft scheme targeting the Walmart in Somers are now facing felony charges in Kenosha County after authorities alleged they worked together to steal more than $1,100
Kyreasion Glendale Connor, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha man accused of two child sexual assault-related crimes was ordered held on just a $10,000 cash bond Tuesday after appearing before Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica in Kenosha County Intake Court. The bond amount was set despite the fact that the charges carry a combined maximum
Dominick D. Black, 24, of Kenosha In Court Today With Defense Attorney Benjamin Van Severen(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dominick Black, the Kenosha man who gained national attention after purchasing the rifle later used by Kyle Rittenhouse during the 2020 Kenosha riots, was sentenced Tuesday to prison after Judge Gabriele concluded that repeated opportunities for rehabilitation had failed
Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 23-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges and two misdemeanor bail jumping counts after Pleasant Prairie police say he sped away from a traffic stop while an officer was patting down one of his passengers, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that reached nearly 100 mph. Adrian M. Gonzalez,
Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 59-year-old Kenosha man is facing a criminal charge after police say surveillance video captured him taking a newly delivered Google Pixel smartphone package from a common mail area inside an apartment building and walking away with it hidden inside his jacket. Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after prosecutors say a late-night argument with his girlfriend inside an IHOP restaurant escalated into violence and was captured on surveillance video. James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
KENOSHA, Wis. — A 20-year-old Kenosha man died Tuesday afternoon following a crash involving a box truck and a minibike near the intersection of 60th Street and 13th Avenue, according to the Kenosha Police Department. Initial dispatch traffic indicated that a child had been struck by a vehicle, with radio transmissions reporting a “vehicle versus child” crash and stating that the victim was
Mike Zacker, 56, of Pleasant Prairie(Pleasant Prairie Police Department) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis on Tuesday dismissed a domestic violence case against prominent local businessman Michael Zacker, despite body camera footage showing the alleged victim repeatedly telling police that Zacker slapped her twice across the face, causing her ears to ring and knocking her to the floor. The dismissal,
KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Kenosha County judicial assistant who courthouse insiders describe as one of the most respected and well-liked employees in the courthouse has prevailed in her appeal of a decision denying her unemployment benefits after she was fired over an Amazon Echo Show device that sat openly on her desk for years. The former judicial assistant worked for Kenosha County
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — After Kenosha County Eye became the first news outlet to report on Matt and Annette Flynn’s dispute with the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation over a $12,849 50/50 raffle prize, the story spread to Milwaukee television stations and other media outlets. Now, as the Kenosha couple asks the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review their case, newly disclosed emails reveal that Tyler
William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man accused of threatening to kill a Kenosha police officer, damaging a local business, and harassing families at a Pleasant Prairie hotel was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond Thursday after his attorney raised concerns about his competency to proceed in court. William J. Kelly III, 60,
KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has introduced two new bills in Congress that he says are designed to restore public confidence in government and elections. One measure would prohibit lawmakers from wagering on political outcomes and government actions, while the other would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for federal elections. The first proposal, known as the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act,
Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun on Thursday set a $2,500 cash bond for a Racine man accused of severely beating a woman during a December incident that allegedly left her with a fractured facial bone. Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
Michael J. Leahy, 44, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of operating a cocaine distribution business from his home and selling drugs near a public park was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bail Thursday after prosecutors sought $25,000. Defense attorney Hunter Fite asked for a $400 cash bail. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 15-year-old Kenosha boy charged as an adult is accused of carrying a loaded revolver, fleeing from police, and discarding the firearm during a foot chase near a Wendy’s restaurant. On Thursday, Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a $5,000 cash bail and instead set
Larry K. Sims, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of striking and strangling the mother of his child after she told him she did not want to rekindle their relationship was released Thursday on a $500 cash bail after Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a substantially higher amount. District Attorney
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson) KENOSHA, Wis. — A retired Racine police officer accused of crashing his motorcycle into a speed limit sign while allegedly intoxicated was released Thursday on a $1,000 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. Daniel H. Webber, 55, of Kenosha, is charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated stemming from a June 11 crash in
Mary A. Collins, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 73-year-old Kenosha woman accused of causing a hit-and-run crash while impaired was released Thursday on a $500 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking a $1,000 cash bond. Mary A. Collins is charged with Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) stemming from a June 15 incident on
KENOSHA, Wis. — Officer Justin Labatore, a member of the Kenosha Police Department since Jan. 25, 2021, has been named the Kenosha Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year. The honor is particularly significant because it was determined by fellow officers. The award recognizes the officer whose peers believe best exemplifies professionalism, dedication, service, and commitment to both the department and the community.
Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica ordered a competency examination Wednesday for a 27-year-old Kenosha man accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of a woman inside the Kenosha Public Library, while setting cash bail at just $250 despite prosecutors seeking $2,000. Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of
Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha, and Vontrell D. Cooks Jr., 17, of Bristol, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court this month after prosecutors charged the pair following a May traffic stop that allegedly led police to a THC vape, marijuana, and a concealed handgun carried by the passenger. Dejah A.
Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Judge David O. Hughes sentenced a Racine man to work release Tuesday after the man pleaded guilty to his third drunk-driving offense, continuing what many see as a longstanding Kenosha County court practice of sparing repeat OWI offenders from straight jail time. Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha
KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents who normally set out their garbage and recycling on Fridays will not see any interruption in service during the Juneteenth holiday this week, according to the City of Kenosha Department of Public Works. The city announced Tuesday that waste and recycling collection will proceed as scheduled on Friday, June 19, 2026, and that there will be no collection delays
KENOSHA, Wis. — A group opposed to expanded gambling is urging government officials to revisit the economic assumptions behind the proposed $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino project in Kenosha County, arguing that major market changes since the original studies were completed have weakened the case for the development. In a press release issued Wednesday, Citizens Against Expanded Gambling said the project’s
Top Row: Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti, 25, and Aidan M. McNab, 20Bottom Row: Natalia R. Borgens Abraham, 19, and Analiese Borgens Abraham, 19(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Four people accused of participating in a retail theft scheme targeting the Walmart in Somers are now facing felony charges in Kenosha County after authorities alleged they worked together to steal more than $1,100
51 Responses
It’s almost like if you pay attention, there’s not 1 honest one anymore.
Follow the money.
Wipe the slate
To wipe the slate clean you would have to keep wiping until humanity is erased. Time to start over…
This is the worst kept story in SLFD. They were (pick your term) dating, a couple, bed buddies, friends with benefits. They showed up at night in a department vehicle together. They talked bad about the chief whenever he wasn’t around. They pushed out anyone who had experience, anyone who stood up for what was right, anyone who questioned them in any way, shape, or form. It was their way or the highway. More Torres than Keske but both covered for each other and looked out for each other so they could keep their jobs secure. They deserve everything they get out of this investigation, which I hope includes their jobs…for all the people who went through that department only to leave because of their bullshit.
If all you say is true, why people can’t keep it out of their jobs is beyond me !
Such a waste of for a few minutes of ….
Oh it wasn’t minutes. Their secret not so secret relationship has been going on for over a decade.
Minutes each time
At least they didn’t add to the population.
Amen. Torres more than Keske. But they have torn apart morale piece by piece and bullied out the few experienced people left. The village paramedic service collapsed because of this.
Drive them out then beg for them to come back once they realized they were screwed and Carr was staying put and their bff administrator was being sent packing.
You are so correct girlfriend she is has been ever since she was on the SLFD the first time and she was forced to resign. You are correct in your statement without a doubt.
Oh wow it’s almost as if the only reason she got that job is because she is living with the assistant chief. Im glad to see the Village is finally taking all the complaints seriously.
Dumpster fire that has some of the top paid firefighter paramedics in area. Makes no sense
How is that possible ?
This department has said for a long time that they only get newbie’s to only loose them after they’re trained to other departments that pay lots more.
Which is it ?
Newest union contract finally put them on pace with the rest of the state/neighboring departments that are full-time for pay. That should hopefully help with retention. It was never that way before. They were the lowest paid full-time department in the entire state.
Shouldn’t be the highest, if you’re such a small municipality. How the hell can the tax payers afford for them to be at the top of the pay scale
Not small, cach up
Just ask Dennis Faber. One of the largest municipalities is the state
Just lost paddock lake contract. And by the way 15k people is pretty damn small.
The are small LMAO they can survive with a handful of fisties and don’t need the expensive UNION bullshit
Karma is a wonderful thing. Might have fooled some people but she proved to be the same spiteful hateful person she’s always been. There’s a reason she was fired from Salem before. The writing is on the walls. Everyone’s just waiting for the official ‘bye bye’ and there’s no coming back this time around.
Taking her shirt off and throwing it at the chief during a meeting should of been reason enough not to hire her back.
If only they would have listened to those who were trying to tell them it was a bad idea or that this behavior had happened.
If I’m losing my job, it’s not going to be an affair with a woman who looks like a miniature Chris Farley.
Lmao
Jill wasn’t always this way.
But I have seen the spiteful hateful ooze out of her.
Jill, loose the weight.
You know the rest
What was the old bumper sticker….FIREMEN ARE ALWAYS IN HEAT
Find em Hot Leave em Wet
I wouldn’t call these firemen.
She can’t even go into fires due to a medical condition. Not sure how she was even promoted (oh wait…..I do)
Chasing her around with a firehose, and this wasn’t “training “
Well that’s to no surprise…. its a well known fact that the two suspended chiefs were romantically seeing each other…. I have a inside source that says they would call on the way to a after hours emergency at separate timeframes, but show up in the same car. I have another inside source that says they would publicly defamate the character of their frontline People in front of other staff members and scream at people so hard they would change the color of their fire trucks. There have been numerous good members that have resigned from that department due to the treatment from both of the chiefs. Salem is better off without them.
They shouldn’t lose their jobs because of the sex. In the pictures neither wear a wedding ring. I don’t know.
But if their lack of leadership styles or bad leadership style makes them bad bosses then why is this ten years in the making ?
Or is this just Chief Carr finally dealing with it ?
Change is slow in government jobs.
They only got to those positions because they were able to convince someone that didn’t know anything about Salem or it’s history (Carr) that they were saviors and could fix the mess that was left by Steve and Lejcar. All they did was make things 100 times worse. Positions created for people that never existed before (Division chief) or shouldn’t have even gone to them to being with (assistant chief). Their relationship = not new. Their positions new to Chief Carr coming on board so only about 3 years.
It’s sad the amount of damage that has been done to this department at the hands of a few people who only cared about themselves and elevating their position/status.
Its not the first time an officer recently lost their job for sleeping with a subordinate!!
Salem Lakes is a continuous shit show.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Torres is married. I also believe that the relationship issue stems from the hierarchy of leadership: Assistant Chief and Lieutenant having a decades long affair. The chain of command has been impacted because if a firefighter or paramedic has an issue with the lieutenant, they can’t exactly go up a rung and complain to her boyfriend, right? And Carr turns a blind eye so issues don’t get dealt with and good employees leave. In fact he created two full time command positions specifically for Keske and Torres and bypassed the normal interviewing/hiring process or at least it was for show because they were already promised the positions. Where does the Fire Commission come in on this?
Only thing you can do is show up at a fire commission meeting and ask
Torres is married you are correct
Get rid of Carr, Jesse and Torres. This has been a toxic environment since Lejcar was put in charge. It went from bad to worse. No different than the Salem board. The village is at wa with eachother and it is crumbling. Pretty soon it will be where Silver Lake was. Who will come to Sakems Rescue? No one wants to deal with them now.
Keske, not Jesse. Damn auto correct.
So glad we paid all that money to find a new chief yet we kept the old one. Keeping the trash to rot.
Every single administrator involved with kenosha/kenosha county is pure shit. Line all of them up against a wall.
The real sad thing is the town wanted this the town push this idea of a town fire department and now can’t manage their way out of a shit house. The town keeps making the same bad decisions and never learns from it. That is the definition of insanity. These two employees of the town are just the aftermath of horrible decisions from leadership and leadership not willing to make the necessary adjustments. People don’t leave companies they leave leaders.
When the consolidation happened, there was a Chief who orchestrated that division into one. It became one of the best departments in the State of Wisconsin. It worked because the departments were willing to work together to make it successful. Yes, there were those who bucked the change and didnt want to conform. Those slowly went away. It became a departments that those that served, respected the leadership and were proud to wear the uniform. It was a family, a brotherhood. There is no longer any of that. Hardly any even live in the area. Its time for the Administrator and the board realize that they failed the citizens of our town. Time to discuss with the past retired Chief… Chief Slover, to see what will it take to fix this major failure, before anymore members get hurt or patients end up with delayed response or lower level of care than is needed. We in Salem need to speak up and demand a change. Where is our tax dollars going.
Best in the state? Doubtful, better than it is currently, very possible.
Oh, yes, best in state under Slover.
It’s easy to criticize a system that was badly broken under Lecar and Inspector Steve. Chief Carr is doing his best with what he has, and I think if he’s given the time and support, he hopefully can turn things around.
The support is the key factor!! Chief Carr will succeed if the board gives him the support!
First hand experience Torres didn’t care about her crews, safety of them, or the community. I was scheduled for a 48 hours shift (my choice and I was fine with that) the weekend of the fair. She sends out a shame email about people not signing up to staff the fair and includes me. I lived 1.5 hrs away so doing a 4 hour shift at the fair would not be logical and if I tied it to my weekend shift I would be putting in 52 hours in 3 days. I questioned why she felt it was professional so put me on list of not signing up for the fair when I was covering the staffed rigs for 48 hours. Instead of recognizing my contributions, she goes off on a I don’t respect her and she will be going to the Chief.
That is proof you can’t question her in any way, shape, or form. She was a total micromanaging, control freak. (And luckily this is all in email so a public records request can show it happened). Example two: calling crews to clean her office window. Then standing their inspecting and saying “make sure you get all the way to the top”.
I get called into the Chief’s office with Keske present. I get the whole why do you not respect Chief Torres speech. I against explain why I questioned her actions. Keske walked out and immediately went to Torres (I saw first hand).
The next month I was not scheduled for any hours…do you care to guess who does the schedule? Yup, Torres.
Seeing her clear game I resigned to Chief Carr in an email. No response from him or any leadership.
In October Torres emails me about picking up hours, signing a contract and such. Um…clearly no communication amongst leadership at all as she wasn’t even told I resigned. But when staffing was an issue not Torres was reaching out for me to take hours again.
I will say I am the utmost respect for Chief Carr. He really is doing the best with what he has to work with. It is unfortunate he believed in his Assistance, because when he wasn’t around they didnt’ have his back. They would trash him to crews just about every shift I worked. In my decades for fire service this was the most dysfunctional leadership team I have worked for. The crews are also great for the most part. But they are micromanaged to death. Not allowed to make decisions and never know when 2 assistant chiefs would just show up on a regular EMS call to critique your actions. That is not leadership. That is micromanaging and insecurity.