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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Benjamin Vargas, 51, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 51-year-old Kenosha man who inserted himself into the 2026 Kenosha County sheriff’s race by privately supplying information to a local hate blogger was once charged with felony child abuse after punching his 13-year-old daughter in the jaw with a closed fist, causing her knees to buckle and sending her to the
Home at Corner of 22nd Ave and 22nd St(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A serious motor vehicle crash early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 22nd Street in Kenosha caused significant property damage and prompted a response from the Kenosha Police Department’s Major Crash Accident Team (MCAT). Emergency radio traffic indicated that
1700 block of 57th Street(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police and firefighters responded to a residence in the 1700 block of 57th Street early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, after receiving a report of a young woman suffering from a possible gunshot wound to
MADISON, Wis. — Starting tomorrow, November 1, 2026, Wisconsin residents seeking justice in their own courtrooms will face significantly higher filing fees, thanks to legislation approved by Republican and Democratic lawmakers and signed into law by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Four of the five state legislators representing Kenosha County voted
KENOSHA, Wis. — There were plenty of costumes, candy and smiles at Frank Elementary School Friday afternoon, as students celebrated Halloween with an after-school Trunk-or-Treat event. Among those handing out candy were Kenosha Police Officer Tanya Watkins and Frank Elementary Dean Mitch Thomas, who traded his usual school attire for
Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin, was charged Friday, October 30, with a staggering 72 felonies following an extensive investigation by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office into alleged online sexual exploitation of children. Kenosha
Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha, was charged Friday with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, both felonies involving the use of a dangerous weapon, after prosecutors say he shot a man in the chest
KENOSHA, Wis. — Edward Bryan Tabor, 60, of Kenosha, has two first-degree sexual assault convictions, including one for first-degree sexual assault of a child. On three documented occasions since 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections has requested his arrest for supervision violations, only for his jail stay to end with
Benjamin Vargas, 51, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 51-year-old Kenosha man who inserted himself into the 2026 Kenosha County sheriff’s race by privately supplying information to a local hate blogger was once charged with felony child abuse after punching his 13-year-old daughter in the jaw with a closed fist, causing her knees to buckle and sending her to the
Home at Corner of 22nd Ave and 22nd St(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A serious motor vehicle crash early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 22nd Street in Kenosha caused significant property damage and prompted a response from the Kenosha Police Department’s Major Crash Accident Team (MCAT). Emergency radio traffic indicated that
1700 block of 57th Street(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police and firefighters responded to a residence in the 1700 block of 57th Street early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, after receiving a report of a young woman suffering from a possible gunshot wound to the head. Initial police radio traffic described the woman as 18 years old,
MADISON, Wis. — Starting tomorrow, November 1, 2026, Wisconsin residents seeking justice in their own courtrooms will face significantly higher filing fees, thanks to legislation approved by Republican and Democratic lawmakers and signed into law by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Four of the five state legislators representing Kenosha County voted for the increases, with Republican State Senator Steve Nass casting the lone local
KENOSHA, Wis. — There were plenty of costumes, candy and smiles at Frank Elementary School Friday afternoon, as students celebrated Halloween with an after-school Trunk-or-Treat event. Among those handing out candy were Kenosha Police Officer Tanya Watkins and Frank Elementary Dean Mitch Thomas, who traded his usual school attire for a Scooby-Doo costume. Thomas was excited to spend time with the students and
Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin, was charged Friday, October 30, with a staggering 72 felonies following an extensive investigation by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office into alleged online sexual exploitation of children. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set a $1 million cash
Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha, was charged Friday with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, both felonies involving the use of a dangerous weapon, after prosecutors say he shot a man in the chest during an argument outside his Kenosha home Wednesday evening. Kenosha County Court Commissioner
KENOSHA, Wis. — Edward Bryan Tabor, 60, of Kenosha, has two first-degree sexual assault convictions, including one for first-degree sexual assault of a child. On three documented occasions since 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections has requested his arrest for supervision violations, only for his jail stay to end with the hold canceled. Local officers have answered those calls, located Tabor and taken
Kenneth F. Hand Sr., 69, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 69-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony and four misdemeanors after police say he terrorized his bedridden ex-girlfriend, struck her with her own cane, threw a bucket of urine on her, and used a rifle-style BB gun to intimidate her from calling police. Kenneth F. Hand Sr. appeared in
Dominique L. Ross, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Kenosha woman with two prior domestic abuse convictions is facing two new felony charges after allegedly attacking a 72-year-old man inside his home, throwing ink on him, pouring alcohol on him while he was in bed, repeatedly spitting in his face and punching him in the head. Dominique L.
Zachery G. Pease, 30, of Wheatland(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 30-year-old Wheatland man accused of physically attacking his disabled girlfriend, mocking her for suffering a stroke, and returning to her home after being arrested has been charged with five crimes, including domestic abuse battery and cocaine possession. Zachery G. Pease, 30, appeared Friday before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch
Adam G. Kashi, 58, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony strangulation charge and two additional domestic abuse charges after allegedly choking his girlfriend during an argument about why she was watching television instead of applying for jobs. Adam G. Kashi, 58, of Kenosha, appeared in court Friday, October 30, 2026, before Kenosha County
KENOSHA, Wis. — The son of a prominent Kenosha family, Timothy Todd Mahone (D), 63, was arrested for the second time on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after Kenosha Police stopped him on August 3, 2025, for allegedly driving the wrong way on Washington Road without illuminated taillights. Newly obtained police body-camera footage captures Mahone repeatedly discussing his community standing, including the mayor’s
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — When Kenosha County Eye founder and investigative journalist Kevin Mathewson filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman in September 2025, he was representing himself, without an attorney, against government officials backed by at least four experienced attorneys. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, longtime U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller, appointed to the federal bench
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Alderman Anthony Kennedy (D) is facing public allegations from Whitney Cabal, a transsexual who uses the names “Billy Violet” and “Billy LC,” that he provided financial assistance during her divorce and sought sexual favors in return. Cabal published the accusations on Facebook alongside screenshots of messages attributed to Kennedy, referencing KCE’s reporting about his email supporting longtime friend Andy
BURLINGTON, Wis. — A Burlington man who served 25 years in the United States Air Force and continues to dedicate his time to helping fellow veterans has been named the First Congressional District’s 2026 Veteran of the Year. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) presented the honor Thursday to retired Senior Master Sergeant Shane Morris in recognition of his military service and continued commitment to
BURLINGTON, Wis. — A Burlington veteran who served 25 years in the United States Air Force and continues to dedicate his time to helping fellow veterans has been named the First Congressional District’s 2026 Veteran of the Year. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) announced Thursday that retired Senior Master Sergeant Shane Morris was selected for the prestigious honor in recognition of his military service
Nicholas J. Naumann, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Nicholas J. Naumann, 39, of Kenosha, a repeat offender previously convicted of domestic abuse, pleaded guilty to three crimes Thursday, October 29, 2026, after being accused of threatening to harm a woman and her children, invoking violent street gangs, threatening gang retaliation if she contacted police, possessing cocaine and resisting arrest.
Peng Ren, 46, of Inglewood, California(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old California man wanted in Illinois on felony identity theft and fraud allegations is facing eight criminal charges in Kenosha County after prosecutors say he led law enforcement officers on a dangerous, high-speed chase Wednesday, October 28, 2026, reaching speeds exceeding 110 mph, driving into oncoming traffic, and nearly striking
Robert A. Borg, 57, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 57-year-old Kenosha man with a previous felony burglary conviction is facing three new felony charges after police say they caught him burglarizing a Kenosha business and he subsequently threatened to kill a female police officer and her family. Robert A. Borg, 57, of Kenosha, appeared in court Thursday, October 29,
Juan N. Rodriguez, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after police say he participated in a group attack on a woman outside a Kenosha bar, punched her in the jaw, and left her with two fractures and a concussion. Juan Noel Rodriguez, appeared Thursday before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch
Joselin E. Juarez-Galvan, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joselin E. Juarez-Galvan, 22, of Kenosha, allegedly punched her father over beer and later struck a Kenosha police officer in the face while already on bail in two criminal cases. The Kenosha Police Department sought a felony battery-to-law-enforcement charge, according to her booking record, but the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office
Adam James Nickos, 41, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Adam James Nickos, 41, of Kenosha, is accused of trying to punch his brother, telling his dogs to go after him and then driving drunk despite a revoked license and a court-ordered ignition interlock requirement. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set cash bail at only $750 Thursday
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two convicted sex offenders, Paul Edwards, 59, and Angelo Zamora, 60, will move into separate Pleasant Prairie residences following their release from prison, police announced Thursday, October 29. According to the Pleasant Prairie Police Department, Edwards’ most recent offenses include second-degree sexual assault and burglary, while Zamora’s include second-degree sexual assault of a child and incest with a child.
Benjamin Vargas, 51, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 51-year-old Kenosha man who inserted himself into the 2026 Kenosha County sheriff’s race by privately supplying information to a local hate blogger was once charged with felony child abuse after punching his 13-year-old daughter in the jaw with a closed fist, causing her knees to buckle and sending her to the
Home at Corner of 22nd Ave and 22nd St(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A serious motor vehicle crash early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 22nd Street in Kenosha caused significant property damage and prompted a response from the Kenosha Police Department’s Major Crash Accident Team (MCAT). Emergency radio traffic indicated that
1700 block of 57th Street(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police and firefighters responded to a residence in the 1700 block of 57th Street early Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, after receiving a report of a young woman suffering from a possible gunshot wound to the head. Initial police radio traffic described the woman as 18 years old,
MADISON, Wis. — Starting tomorrow, November 1, 2026, Wisconsin residents seeking justice in their own courtrooms will face significantly higher filing fees, thanks to legislation approved by Republican and Democratic lawmakers and signed into law by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Four of the five state legislators representing Kenosha County voted for the increases, with Republican State Senator Steve Nass casting the lone local
KENOSHA, Wis. — There were plenty of costumes, candy and smiles at Frank Elementary School Friday afternoon, as students celebrated Halloween with an after-school Trunk-or-Treat event. Among those handing out candy were Kenosha Police Officer Tanya Watkins and Frank Elementary Dean Mitch Thomas, who traded his usual school attire for a Scooby-Doo costume. Thomas was excited to spend time with the students and
Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Skyler Aaron McKeithen, 25, of Genoa City, Wisconsin, was charged Friday, October 30, with a staggering 72 felonies following an extensive investigation by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office into alleged online sexual exploitation of children. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set a $1 million cash
Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Inglesh Jaguar Brown, 27, of Kenosha, was charged Friday with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, both felonies involving the use of a dangerous weapon, after prosecutors say he shot a man in the chest during an argument outside his Kenosha home Wednesday evening. Kenosha County Court Commissioner
KENOSHA, Wis. — Edward Bryan Tabor, 60, of Kenosha, has two first-degree sexual assault convictions, including one for first-degree sexual assault of a child. On three documented occasions since 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections has requested his arrest for supervision violations, only for his jail stay to end with the hold canceled. Local officers have answered those calls, located Tabor and taken
Kenneth F. Hand Sr., 69, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 69-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony and four misdemeanors after police say he terrorized his bedridden ex-girlfriend, struck her with her own cane, threw a bucket of urine on her, and used a rifle-style BB gun to intimidate her from calling police. Kenneth F. Hand Sr. appeared in
Dominique L. Ross, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Kenosha woman with two prior domestic abuse convictions is facing two new felony charges after allegedly attacking a 72-year-old man inside his home, throwing ink on him, pouring alcohol on him while he was in bed, repeatedly spitting in his face and punching him in the head. Dominique L.
Zachery G. Pease, 30, of Wheatland(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 30-year-old Wheatland man accused of physically attacking his disabled girlfriend, mocking her for suffering a stroke, and returning to her home after being arrested has been charged with five crimes, including domestic abuse battery and cocaine possession. Zachery G. Pease, 30, appeared Friday before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch
Adam G. Kashi, 58, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony strangulation charge and two additional domestic abuse charges after allegedly choking his girlfriend during an argument about why she was watching television instead of applying for jobs. Adam G. Kashi, 58, of Kenosha, appeared in court Friday, October 30, 2026, before Kenosha County
KENOSHA, Wis. — The son of a prominent Kenosha family, Timothy Todd Mahone (D), 63, was arrested for the second time on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after Kenosha Police stopped him on August 3, 2025, for allegedly driving the wrong way on Washington Road without illuminated taillights. Newly obtained police body-camera footage captures Mahone repeatedly discussing his community standing, including the mayor’s
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — When Kenosha County Eye founder and investigative journalist Kevin Mathewson filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman in September 2025, he was representing himself, without an attorney, against government officials backed by at least four experienced attorneys. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, longtime U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller, appointed to the federal bench
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Alderman Anthony Kennedy (D) is facing public allegations from Whitney Cabal, a transsexual who uses the names “Billy Violet” and “Billy LC,” that he provided financial assistance during her divorce and sought sexual favors in return. Cabal published the accusations on Facebook alongside screenshots of messages attributed to Kennedy, referencing KCE’s reporting about his email supporting longtime friend Andy
BURLINGTON, Wis. — A Burlington man who served 25 years in the United States Air Force and continues to dedicate his time to helping fellow veterans has been named the First Congressional District’s 2026 Veteran of the Year. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) presented the honor Thursday to retired Senior Master Sergeant Shane Morris in recognition of his military service and continued commitment to
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.