(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
Silver Lake, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers (D) has denied the pardon application of 48-year-old Allen M. Dunski, Jr., a former firefighter and convicted serial arsonist from Kenosha County’s west side. The rejection, issued on November 15, 2024, came despite Dunski’s claims of rehabilitation and community service.
A letter sent to Dunski by the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board stated: “While the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board commends you for the positive strides you have taken since completing your sentence for Kenosha County case number 1999CF351, it has voted against forwarding a recommendation for pardon to Governor Tony Evers.” The letter further noted that the decision is final and not subject to appeal.
A Troubled History
Dunski also has a conviction for auto theft. In 1998, he was charged with Taking and Driving a Vehicle Without the Owner’s Consent. Court records indicate that he and an accomplice took a fellow firefighter’s car without permission while drinking. The felony charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor, and he was sentenced to two years of probation. However, after violating the terms of his probation, he served six months in jail.
Dunski was convicted of three separate arsons that he committed while serving as a firefighter for the Trevor Fire Department. Court records detail that in 1997 and 1998, he deliberately set fire to multiple vehicles and an RV camper before returning to the fire station and responding to the very fires he had ignited.
In the first incident, on October 15, 1997, Dunski set a Ford station wagon ablaze, using a spark plug to break a window and a signal flare to ignite the fire. On October 30, 1997, he used the same method to set fire to a Lincoln Continental, requiring the use of an accelerant when the flare failed. On March 19, 1998, he torched an RV camper using a signal flare before returning to the fire station to await dispatch.
Dunski pleaded guilty to three counts of felony arson and was sentenced to 18 months in state prison, serving nine months before being released on good behavior. He was also placed on probation for three years.
On September 16, 2019, according to police records, one of Dunski’s neighbors called the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to report that Dunski was shooting a firearm within the Village limits. The neighbor informed the DNR that Dunski was a convicted felon. Responding officers were unable to locate Dunski at the time.
On October 2, 2012, Dunski was cited for Failure to Validate or Attach a Deer Carcass Tag and for Placing, Using, Hunting Over, or Training Dogs with Unauthorized or Illegal Bait. He was also warned for Obstructing an Officer after lying to the DNR Warden, Providing Incorrect Information, and Hunting Within Village Limits.
According to Warden Dilley: “Dunski was found [] to have hunted deer and harvested a whitetail deer (doe) over illegal bait on a piece of property directly behind his residence. Located [were] two different bait piles consisting of shell corn, a salt block, and molasses within 100 yards of the location where Dunski harvested the deer. He stated his girlfriend is to blame for placing the illegal bait. All baiting and feeding of deer is prohibited in Kenosha County. Dunski stated he did not know it was illegal to bait or feed deer… While hunting behind his residence within the Village limits of Silver Lakes, the Defendant initially stated he had tagged the deer ‘right away,’ but later admitted that he did not validate and attach the carcass tag until later the next day.”
Dunski was also warned for the following violations: -29.951 – Obstructing a Conservation Warden, 29.961(2) – Providing Incorrect Information, Other than to Obtain an Approval, and Hunting Within Village Limits.”
On September 16, 2019, according to police records, one of Dunski’s neighbors called the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to report that Dunski was shooting a firearm within the Village limits. The neighbor informed the DNR that Dunski was a convicted felon. Responding officers were unable to locate Dunski at the time.
Dunski resigned from a shooting club last year after being accused of operating a firearm at the club, a felony offense given his status as a convicted felon. More recently, he told a police officer that he frequently uses a rifle to hunt deer, further raising concerns about his adherence to legal restrictions.
Lingering Suspicion in Silver Lake Fire Department Blaze
Although never charged, Dunski has long been suspected of involvement in the September 1, 1997, fire that destroyed the Silver Lake Village Hall, which housed both the police and fire departments. During the investigation into his arson convictions, Dunski reacted defensively when questioned about the Silver Lake fire, demanding a lawyer and denying all involvement.
Investigators noted that Dunski had frequent access to the Silver Lake Fire Department before the fire and was seen at the building just hours before it burned down. Former colleagues, recalled that Dunski had gone into the building on the night of the fire under the pretense of retrieving sunglasses but exited without them. Despite suspicions and circumstantial evidence, no charges were filed.
Pardon Denied Despite Community Involvement
Dunski’s lengthy speech to the committee appeared self-serving, as he repeatedly emphasized his personal accomplishments and hardships rather than taking full accountability for his past crimes. Since his pardon application was denied, there have been no reports of him continuing his volunteer work, raising questions about the sincerity of his commitment to community service.
During his pardon hearing, Pardon Advisory Committee member Cindy O’Donnell posed a tough question to Dunski, stating: “You set three separate fires. And you would know better than I the danger that created to the community and to the people who responded. But what struck me was, I look back at the dates of your crimes, and you committed the first one on October 15, 1997, and then 15 days later, the second one, and then about five months later, the third one. Can you help explain why after the first one, or even the second one, you didn’t stop and say this is crazy, this is wrong, and I shouldn’t do this again?”
Dunski responded by saying in part: “It was a small area, a small department, and as a child growing up, watching my dad a hero, I wanted to play the same game of a hero.” Dusnki’s father was a high-ranking fire department administrator.
Despite 12 letters of recommendation from community members, including a pastor, embattled lawyer and former politician Ted Kmiec, the former Salem Lakes Fire Commission President, and an executive director of a non-profit, the advisory board ultimately decided against recommending his pardon to Governor Evers.
Controversial Role in Kenosha County Scanner
Dunski now operates the Facebook page Kenosha County Scanner alongside his partner, John Broemelkamp, where they monitor and report on local emergency responses. The platform has drawn criticism, with some questioning whether a convicted arsonist should be so closely involved in reporting on fires and emergency incidents.
Broemelkamp defended Dunski, stating, “That’s old news and isn’t a factor at all.” However, the controversy surrounding his past crimes and present activities remains a point of contention in the community.
Resignation from Fire Commission
Following renewed scrutiny, Dunski resigned from the Fire Commission on January 25, 2024, at the request of Village President Rita Bucur. During his pardon application interview, Dunski blamed the Kenosha County Eye (KCE) for forcing his resignation, stating that a local reporter “likes to stir up things in the community” and that although local officials were previously aware of his record and had no objections, the media attention ultimately led to his departure.
Governor Evers’ decision to deny the pardon ensures that Dunski’s criminal record will remain intact, limiting his future opportunities in certain organizations and roles. While he has sought to rebrand himself as a dedicated community servant, his past actions continue to overshadow his present efforts.
44 Responses
But he allowed the individual you posted about previously for beating a girl with a bat and a drug dealer? Wow
Dear Governor…Allen is a 💩, thank you for not pardoning him. He was shit in HS and he’s never changed fuck the people that wrote him letters
I don’t know who the fuck your are but this is not the option of me. Allen and I did go to high school together and never had a bad thing to say about him. He has done countless positive things in the community. For you to use my name to defame his is disgusting.
He’s a dirt bag and arsonist
That’s why they call him Diddy Dunski. Guy is a freak and a I remember him being a great Tromboner player in marching band.
Let him go free and send him to Kenosha to do more arsons! It will create more work and jobs!
Of course
Thank you for letting us know what’s going on
A lot of people still recall the Silver Lake Fire house burning. No one was held responsible. I’ve been told Dunski had part in that. Has he really stopped starting fires?? His business filming fires, Does he start them?? Them get off on watching them burn.
This Community service is just him trying to make himself feel better. Once an arsonist always an arsonist.
Dumpski
This piece of shit didn’t start charging for his shitty ass site until the riots happened basically, taking advantage of an awful situation.
Someone just do a mirror site for free, would put him out of business within a month.
He needs to find something better to do with his life. Threatening to send people cease and desist letters (like he did with me) over public information is crazy. He is delusional.
The attorney , guess on that, who sent it knowing it was public info is just as bad, if not worse.
Be happy that he got his comeuppance out in the open for all to see – and to remember!
He claims that FB notifies them of screenshots, but a quick google search proved that to be untrue. So, screenshot away. My best friend sends me screenshots of various posts every day.
Also how many fires were set that DUNSKI didn’t get caught, a lot of questionable ones out there.BH. Kenosha Scanner should be available 24/7 with all the people paying for the subscription. Then scanner notifies subscribers that posts will be limited because of other engagements for the day. And if anyone were to questioned it they will be banned BS. Figure it out with all the subscriptions for the scanner and the amount of money they are bringing in. Should be 24/7.
that scanner page is bullshit
Has he really learned his lesson? Did he start the x- fire Chief’s garage on fire, then put it on his scanner page.
All his drinking buddies with their letters to try to get him pardon. Who the heck is he trying to fool
Not sure I would have Kmiec go to bat for me.Maybe Sgt Hard or steinbrink would get it done.
Dunski… you need to fess up for everything to everyone
I have experience with the pardon process and the Governor’s board acted appropriately. Pardons are a matter of grace and generally given to people who have atoned for their crimes and are contributing members of the community who have demonstrated a need as opposed to a “want.” Think of a kid who gave a joint to another guy who turned out to be a cop and got a delivery of a controlled substance charge but turned his life around. Or someone who shoplifted. By contrast, arson is a particularly dangerous crime and seldom solely a matter of someone being “young and dumb.” If this young man did many good things since his convictions, that’s good but, as noted, it’s not like someone who did something nonviolent. Plus, he’s only doing what we expect people to do and be. Violent crimes are looked at more carefully and rightfully so. I do note that some of the people who wrote the governor did not specifically recommend a pardon but rather reported their observations. Some, however, did make an affirmative recommendation. Just saying.
I personally don’t think a person should recommend a pardon unless they were there at the event. One can only imagine the harm of the crime but didn’t experience being scared that a neighbors car, house, place of employment might combust. That is real. Only one in the area at that time knows and can judge. In addition, facts and witnesses and supporters were there at trial, jurors, attorneys. And they decided he was a criminal. Who is anyone to pardon?
On this same thought line, I don’t agree in pardons on shortening sentences either.
Governor only pardons violent black criminals.
Nov 15th.
Wow, I bet he hoped no one would find out about the rejection.
Final
No appeal.
Those who worried about an arsonist in their area might feel a little better that he has reached the end of the road. Done.
Yes, a kid.
But he knew the dangers and that it was unacceptable.
You were a punk then and you still are a punk Allan.
In every day happenings, you have the punk edge.
Eddy Kennedy did good things too I suppose but MARY JO didn’t come back to life did she? The fires happened. They can’t be undone.
If any house, garage, car, ect. Please investigate Dunski!! He has gotten away with way too many. Hope he will Rot in hell for putting a lot of people though shit.
ISN’T THIS THE GUY THAT’S IN KAHOOTS\WITH THE GUY FROM kENOSHA
COUNTY SCANNER THAT CHARGES A SUBSCRIPTION FEE?
This is that guy!
How the hell did he get selected for the fire commission? Does no one do background checks? We have no one else running for these positions? 🤦🏼♀️
The community has a new board. The crap that put him in (most of them) are gone. A blessing for the community.
He was still on the fire commission board after our “New” Village board!! And Hopkins, Gandt and Fabor all knew what Dunski did and is suspected of doing. They welcomed him with open arms. RIGHT HOPKINS, GANDT, and FABER??
There is an election coming .
Oust the one in this list
Faber, Hopkins and Gandt are not up for reelection this year.
The new VB President asked him to resign as soon as she read the report. Mr. Dunski should never have been put on the Fire Commission in the first place – that is the previous boards fault.
After KCE brought it to attention.
Yes! Thank you KCE! Keep up the good work!
This guy is a total want to be fire fighter and a police officers this is what makes him a very dangerous person for are community,
as far as his scanner page thats a joke , people just go by your own scanner about $400-$1000 depending on brand and functions
I would not spend a dime on this guy scanner page nor give him any kind of postive feedback This guy is a joke and a criminal , Bottom line
he is just looking for a way back in .
It isn’t a physical scanner.
It’s a Facebook crappy page where they post info they scan from the calls to and from fire police.
Often they post what reputable news sources will not post.
They charge $
Members are often fanatics and find some joy in someone else’s suffering. Would you say that is what an arsonist does?. Members may also chase the equipment.
Pretty sicko.
Convicted felons are parasites to the community. No matter how much ‘community service’ this loser does, he is and will always be a loser. Being a firefighter is a sweet deal with a pension after 25 years, he pissed that all away, which is comical.
Wow Evers did something right for once
Anything that KMIEC is involved in doing or helping i would not Trust this guy he is a criminal, Hiding behind a law degree, for his advantage, or his family .
This needs to stop and if are Sheriff keeps backing him the people of are community are going to lose all confidence and respect for him.
He did contribute enough to Maggie Gau’s reelection campaign.
More like Dunce key
Kmiec is the last person that should be judging anyone’s character and recommending clemency. One look at that name and deny, deny deny.
Word on the street is that Allen is pretty burned up about this.
I can imagine
How many 1980s murderers has he brought back to our community with his probation policies? Is it possible he learned his lesson?