Pro 8 Exclusive: Chief Landin responds to the media over arrests in his department
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
May 18, 2010
Story Updated:
May 19, 2010
In the last month there have been four firefighters arrested on an array of charges.
Fire Chief Steve Landin spoke to us exclusively, saying the department has nothing to hide and that he believes in transparency:
"I think Pro 8 news did a fine job of bashing the organization three or four days in a row. Putting somebody over and over in uniform. The same individual day one, day two, and day three. I think that out of respect to this uniform I think we should understand the incidents that did occur by these individuals occurred not in the color of the uniform."
He went on to say:
"You said we disrespected your uniform. Why are you mad at us the media, disrespecting the uniform, when your own Firefighters are disrespecting the department. Believe me they hear it from me. They hear it from me. That's something that I won't publicize to you or to anybody else."
In the past month, the Laredo Fire Department has been under fire, as several firefighters have been arrested in different cases.
Chief Landin says everybody makes mistakes:
"Sometimes, they are human. They fall out. It disappoints me. There is no doubt. I've been very open with any media."
During the interview, Landin said he would deal with all of these cases in a private manner, as all firefighters have gone to his office to discuss their future with the department.
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? said on Friday, May 21 at 7:19 PM
I have heard that this year's charity football game between the fire and police dept has been cancelled. Police dept refused to play and help raise money for our community. It's a charity game that raises money for the Border Olympics and helps out our youths in the summer.How can the police dept not want to help out the community. How can we expect for them to protect and to serve, when they can't even help out in a simple football game. The police dept had agreed to play the game but cancelled last week.if they cant keep their word in a football game then how can they enforce the law.and the bad thing is that their chief knows about it and didnt do anything about it. but its all lies when they say that they want to help out the community. lies that come straight from the top
43722434equal said on Friday, May 21 at 6:59 PM
anytime that a firefighter or cor or border patrol or any other officer does something wrong while they are OFF DUTY the media sure likes to talk about it for days. why dont they do the same when the officers do something good for community.
43721474equal said on Friday, May 21 at 6:56 PM
anytime that a uniformed officer does something wrong while he's off from work the agency gets a bad rep. regardless who it is the media sure likes to talk about it for a couple of days. why dont they do the same when they do something good.
43721364Blue eyes said on Friday, May 21 at 10:47 AM
I am white with blue eyes Mexican from Monterrey and with two degrees, Do I qualify ??
43681492op said on Friday, May 21 at 7:34 AM
True. Hire more white people in the MANAGEMENT positions.
43663444browns said on Friday, May 21 at 3:09 AM
hire more white people!
43654944kitchen said on Thursday, May 20 at 10:59 PM
Defend the uniform, yes! From the ones who are disgracing it!
43647949Anonymous said on Thursday, May 20 at 10:55 PM
the fire fighters that should be defended by are the ones that are law abiding citizens. the ones that are honest and perform their duties to the best of their abilities. they're the ones I want in my time of need. they're the ones that are keeping to the higher standard expected of all public servants. to them I say thank you.
43647789to TOMASD said on Thursday, May 20 at 10:37 PM
Inform yourself before you express youself. Our tax dollars have been paying their salaries, and the county is getting service for next to nothing, meanwhile we've been getting less protection cause they're out at a ranch fire, and we have to pick up the tab. It's just not right.
43646924PRO8 NEWS IS BIASED said on Thursday, May 20 at 9:41 PM
PRO8 NEWS IS BIASED. WHY DIDN'T THEY REPORT WHEN MAX FERNANDEZ GOT ARRESTED? WHY DIDN'T THEY REPORT THEIR CAMERA GUYS ARRESTED FOR DRUGS? DUTY TO INFORM? YEAH RIGHT! INFORM ME ABOUT THAT!
43643964Anonymous said on Thursday, May 20 at 6:24 PM
Hey Pro8News I got a better story for you all... Health Inspectors letting businesses be run without complying with State Health laws... remember the food disease scare of a couple of years ago? It's still going on right now
43632039victim said on Thursday, May 20 at 6:24 PM
I agree that the fire department should not be getting the heat about what the individuals that belong to the department have done. Each individual is fully responsible for their own actions. Speaking from what actions have been done to "me" recently by one of the individuals it upsets me that, they do feel that they are above the law. Proper discipline needs to be taken with each and every individual with each case, no matter how "small" these firefighters feel that what they have done. They were sworn in to protect and to serve and most importantly ready for duty; but how are we all going to feel when in such a short amount of time so many "fireman" have been arrested most of them for violence. Chief Landin proper discipline needs to given to these individuals and not just desk job duties that is just giving them a small slap on the hand. After all if these would had been happening with "average joes" they would not be getting off so easy.
43631959And by the way... said on Thursday, May 20 at 3:42 PM
Any person under the color of the Law does not have a private, personal life. He is a public servant and as long he gets a paycheck from us, the taxpayers he will take of his life with extraordinary care, if they accept that job their duty is to protect and TO SERVE. Serve and tha means to serve to us the Taxpayers.
43620409To Ann said on Thursday, May 20 at 3:22 PM
Any public servant has the duty to bahave and to demostrate good character, Under a uniform, a servant is not longer considered a member of the general public, KGNS is doing a great job by uncovering all the corrupt and people that does not have any business working as firefighters or a police man. We are tired of the nepotism, the compadres and the amigo del amigo. they all need to go.
43618742kink said on Thursday, May 20 at 2:14 PM
Remember the guy that took the copper wire to "protect it" then got his job back.
43613141wig said on Thursday, May 20 at 2:07 PM
Since Tim G wears a wig, does that mean the other anchors wear one too?
43612619Ann said on Thursday, May 20 at 1:35 PM
Thank you Mr. Landin for defending the uniform. I believe you are right! PRO8 news had no business showing footageof a firefighter in uniform performing his duties for not 3 days but actually 6 days in a row. Whatever happened, it happened in their private and personal life.. SHAME on YOU PRO8 news sucks!
43610259disillusioned said on Thursday, May 20 at 12:51 PM
After someone is arrested they are presummed innocent until proven guilty... this of course does not excuse bad behavior; however, the City of Laredo abides by its employment poicies. They honor the stipulation of the contract. It is a wake up call for everyone. People should exercise more caution and conduct themselves in a more dignified way. As for Chief Landin, he was better off releasing a prepared statement. Because the FD and PD really are given so many perks in their never-ending collective bargaining agreements, it is only fair that they be scrutinized throroughly ... other City employees get short changed when it comes to salaries and other quality of life issues.
43606754old school reporter said on Thursday, May 20 at 11:45 AM
how come i dont see my last entry on this blog. hmmmm
43600782Good for La Valerie said on Thursday, May 20 at 11:34 AM
It was a great statement, the auto-critisism is a good weapon to open the eyes of our society in Laredo. maybe you want to write a book of all the social problems we have in Laredo. congratulations. I love your chicano language. it gives us our genuine identity.
43599884LaValerie said on Thursday, May 20 at 10:54 AM
Perate Perate Perate Perate, que onda porque se preocupan ese? Si asi se hace el jale aqui en Laredo! Ustedes no saben que onda, Laredo Police Department 20 deep! Ustedes piensan que LPD nomas tienen each other pero pueden traer MAS. Asi que no se quejen de la raza. Siempre ha sido asi el rollo en el barrio de Laredo. Mientras no chequemos los kids y dejemos que las girls tengan babies y les demos WIC vamos a seguir teniendo bad luck. Pero hey! who cares verdad? No les den money a las schools, no no no no lets make mas LECs y mas jale for businesses and lets forget about las escuelas verdad? Hey no les den sex education a los kids y para no ofender a nadie, lets keep feeding the illegals it's ok no hay pedo. Look how good i turned out! I'm much gooder than most peoples! No one educated me and look! So no se preocupen raza, it has always been likes this and it's good. Viva Laredo.
43596422DirtyJesus said on Thursday, May 20 at 10:25 AM
"Police Officers hide behind badge when they cannot finish a fight they start at local clubs" Should be the next Pro 8 News headline. I know good firefighters and good policemen but between the lunatics currently embarrassing the fire department and the Walker Texas Ranger wannabe/ cry baby Police Officers that get their butts kicked then run behind the badge and "Detectives" at LPD everyone is getting a bad name. Fire them all starting with every LPD detective, the only thing they can detect is a Krispy Kreme donut.
43593551The Hammer said on Thursday, May 20 at 9:29 AM
So..the firefighter should be fired?...I think so because when they make their application it has to be flawless. We should not keep tainted employees when we look for perfect canidates in the beginning. Because then shouldnt we consider all applicants reguardless of their record. Sooo much Honor they speak of that i gaurantee if you reevaluate their application almost all will fail with flying colors. All the Chief is creating is hate against his own, he should be busy trying to put out fires...ohh what fires we hardly have them.
43588402jib jab said on Thursday, May 20 at 9:24 AM
Give them to Arizona along with the chief
43587929Lee said on Thursday, May 20 at 9:16 AM
Less then pro8 news is like the serpent in Adam & Eve's garden. Are you happy now that you spew your venom? Why don't you get the WHOLE story behind the incidents of these men, you only report what you want and NOT the WHOLE story. Never have i lived in a city where it's own media discredits its people. You people are despicale!
43587242American eyes said on Thursday, May 20 at 8:07 AM
See no evil and hear no evil! Now he blames the media for exposing the truth. The qualifications of a fire fighter have decreased and any body can be a fire fighter.. I doubht a GED is even required.
43581419op said on Thursday, May 20 at 7:41 AM
Maybe the word should get out to the world...do not come to Laredo to learn the latest fire-fighting techniques,...you may get BURNED.
43579372To Mr. landi and Mr. Mayor Salinas said on Thursday, May 20 at 7:23 AM
We are tired of seeing our authorities and Department heads of the City behaving as a gang, disregarding the safety and the Laws that protect the citizens of Laredo specially by supervisors and uniformed employees. The citizens of Laredo deserve better quality city employees. What are you going to do about it ?? Gato Bonito.
43578224Eight Country said on Thursday, May 20 at 12:28 AM
It is sad that Chief Landin feel that the media is the problem when is come to his men in uniform. Keep in mind that ALL civil servants went though a criminal background and were the best of the best from Laredo. All the OTHERs who did not make it to the call of duty are NOT uniformed employees !! So YES !! They are hold to a higher standard !! IF chief Landin feels disgusted by the actions of the media and not by the employees he supervises !! Then maybe we need a new chief !!!!! Get it together chief. And get it together people in uniform !!! Great job Pro8News for informing your viewers regardless of good or bad.
43568366Look in the mirror dude... said on Wednesday, May 19 at 11:15 PM
check it out on Pro8news.com on April 27th: "We first brought you this story on our website earlier today. The Chief of the Laredo Fire Department, Steve Landin was involved in a three-car collision Tuesday morning at the intersection of Loop 20 and McPherson road. This is a Pro8News exclusive. According to a police officer on scene, Landin lost control of his personal vehicle rear-ending another car which caused a domino effect impacting a third vehicle." Two people were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. Chief Landin did not require medical attention.
43566374Old Flame said on Wednesday, May 19 at 11:02 PM
Here we go again another fire fighter getting into trouble with the law. Mr. Landin demands respect for the fire fighters of Laredo then he should resign. The next Chief needs to come in and clean house.
43565907Laredo Citizen said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:59 PM
Mr. Landin shouldn't speak about bashing the department than looking in the mirror first. Wasn't he involved in a crash that he caused on the loop. There has been several times that on my way to work near Del Mar that Mr. Landin has no regards to traffic laws. I've seen him make quick turns between traffic with no signals while driving his FD truck. He almost crashed into me when he didn't make a complete stop in front of UISD main offices. Mr. Landin, think before you speak. And follow traffic laws.
43565782HEY MR. LANDIN said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:52 PM
It is NOT Pro8 News making your team look bad.It is your own people making you look bad.Pro8 news was just reporting the news like they do every day.
43565529to pm not perfect said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:43 PM
in fact all those stories made the news alot more than these latest stories.
43565066uh hello said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:43 PM
Whats fair is fair.Yeah sure when we dial 911 they are ready to go, but they r not doing it for free.And guess who is paying them.If it were any other citizen they would have been arrested on the spot.This latest incident happend back in Feb.he was arrested in May!Come on ! Laredo what a joke! Shame on you Landin for running to his deffense. Good job PRO8! They were not bashing anybody.They were doing their job and reporting the news.
43565029Online Degrees.com said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:39 PM
As per your inquiry Mr. Landin, you can renew your degree for $39.95. As before you can pay with a City of Laredo PO#.
43564837Ms Garza said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:35 PM
im very proud of the firefighters .they do a tremendous job.keep up the good work ,God bless you all.
43564609What expect... said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:25 PM
Why is it when someone in "uniform" commit a crime or a bad doing they try to cover it up and like as if nothing happened.If the one involved in the accident that person would be in jail no questions asked.This firefighter had to turn himself in months after the incident.And yes for the past months there has been alot of supposedly uniformed authorities caught behind the other side of the same law they are are supposed to enforce.True some were not in uniform when the incidents occured but when they take a position they should act accordingly no matter if on or off duty.Why is it someone attacks and OFF DUTY officer they still charged with aussalt and battery on a peace officer.Learn to be man enough to wear the uniform but also be MAN enough to pay for your actions when you break those same laws and guidelines you are getting paid to uphold...m opinion they should be terminated on the spot and have a zero tolerance for ignorant people like the ones who try to stand behind the BAGDE...
43564122Steve Landin said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:23 PM
Don't worry Laredo, I have already applied for the Fire Chief's position in Arlington, Tx. I'm gonna ZAPP EM!
43564039prettyface said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:19 PM
i think we are all human and they did what they did on there own time not while using the uniform or while puting out a fire if a doctor goes and crashes while drinking do we put it on the news yes so its just the way the news people are and we need to just get over it and again they are human and did what they did on the there time and not while they were on the job
43563837Food for thought? said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:18 PM
Why dont Laredo Taxpayers demand new city ordinances to implement ZERO tolerance for all Elected officials/first responders (tax funded employees)? Lets all demand accountability, respect for the job(uniform), etc
43563759Thank you Mr. Tim Gutierrez said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:05 PM
Without the 4th power it will be impossible for the taxpayers and our community in general to know the integrity of our Fire Department. the "I am not going to publicize to you or anybody else statement" is not just stupid but is against our democratic way of life. We the taxpayers are not Nobody Mr. Landin.
43563092Fair treatment said on Wednesday, May 19 at 9:52 PM
Fair treatment will be when one does a good job, and rewarded.. that will be fair..Now, If one commits a criminal act is he going to be rewarded ?? if he gets rewarded that will be fair in accordance to the ones that do a good job and police themselves. NO WAY Jose! reward who deserves reward.. punish who deserves punishment.
43562556Not in Laredo said on Wednesday, May 19 at 9:45 PM
Laredo has been known for the tolerance of its people towards the city government for more than 100 years. To all compadres and amigo del amigo is time to run we need to purge all departments of people living from the taxpayers. We are the new generation.
43562241vicky H said on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:54 PM
Stop badgering Mr. Lanin and the firefighters. They deserve fair treatment, just like everyone else. Remeber, when you dials 911, they roll and deliver!
43556131Santiago Perez said on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:46 PM
Los reporteros de ese medio, igeal que todos los medios realizan su trabajo honradamente n con mucho esfuerzo< Como te gustaria que NO reportaran toda la corrupcion y majaderias que ocurren este pueblo por oficiales electos y no electos, y de a diario. Piensenla bien, companeros ciudadanos.
43555714Nonews 8 said on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:02 PM
Pro8 news should be called nonews8. When laredo teachers were being arrested for having affairs with their students did no8news make it seem like all male teachers do that...NO they didnt! NO8NEWS is a bunch of losers who could not make it in another market. Also just because Tim G has a topae, it doesnt mean that all newscaster wear a wigg!!
435532293 days said on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:30 PM
well how about one day for every fightfighter, Mr. landin mmm lets start.. 6 wrestlers arrested (disorderly conduct) one copper thief, one car scratcher,one sex offender, one with insurance fraud..total of 10 days..am I miising something ?? YOU NEED TO DISCLOSE EVERYTHING TO THE TAXPAYERS. You are not a special dignatary and this town is not under a dictatorship. Mr. Landin.
43551682Not Perfect said on Wednesday, May 19 at 3:40 PM
What happened to KLDO Reporter who was caught drunk did KGNS report that story repeatedly? NO! When an LPD Officer was parked in a private parking lot supposedly intoxicated did that story get aired numerous times NO! When the former LPD Chief got in trouble did that story run repeatedly to a minor degree. Is getting a Degree on Line against the law? Are on line courses prohibited by law NO! If a citizen has a concern about an individual obtaining a higher degree and is from a credited College and has successfully passed all courses I admire someone who wants to better himself. How about LCC and TAMIU when an individual obtains credits from online courses here in Laredo And obtains a Graduate certificate is that wrong. Look in your closet before pointing and or accusing. The Cooper case went before an arbitration hearing and the final out come had nothing to do with neither the Department nor the Government dismissing his case. The department did what they felt was correct althou
43541452And by the way... said on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:39 PM
He needs speech therapy or maybe he needs a urinalisys test. He speaks terrible as if he was drunk or in drugs.
43537137Pro Uniform Citizen said on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:38 PM
I am Proud of what we have. Our Uniformed citizens due a lot for this community (Police and Fire) Why that 1/100th do something wrong and everyone is gets a bad wrap. What happened to the PD officer who behaved inappropriately while on duty? Did Pro 8 News run that story repeatedly? No! The job of reporters is do look for news. Now if there is not enough to fill the news time then run a few extra PSA or commercials .Just do focus on one single department
43537096He should resign or get fired said on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:36 PM
This chief is a disgrace to Laredo Texas, He shoul know that The Police Dpt and Fire dpt are organized as military units, with the honor, discipline and honesty that goes with that. The firefighter or the cop must behave with extraordinary care after his duty hours. And all information concerning the bad apples must be release to the taxpayers of Laredo Texas. This man esta chiflado because he has good compadres in city hall.
43536884some luck said on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:14 PM
sounds like many skeletons in the chiefs house and special treatment. wish he was my boss. i was laidoff due to the inability to carry 50pds in my 6 month trimester of pregnancy.
43535151el gato said on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:00 PM
that what you get from overrated uneducated chief that got his degree on line without ever setting foot in classroom
43534029TOMASD said on Wednesday, May 19 at 12:42 PM
I think the City manager should not deal with any Unions' collective bargaining units. A fire fighter steals copper and is back on the job. The rest of these "humans" that stalk, drive drunk, beat their wives,and molest children aren't as bad as the whole. Look at the current gripe, we can't respond to the county fires; however, we can respond for more money. This is encouraged by the Union. In the last 4 years, fire fighters have recieved a 20% pay increase. Who else, in this economy has seen this type of increase?
43527339Anonymous said on Wednesday, May 19 at 12:26 PM
It is unfortunate that pro 8 news uses this as a way to get their ratings up...but even then, this is not the case...You are talking about a hand full from the 400 plus in the entire dept. What about focusing on the good they do everyday?! putting their life on the line day in and day out, fundraisers, having to be away from their families to help out the community...c'mon! I am not justifying the wrong these men do, but I am sure that this goes on everywhere, not just in the fire dept. but they don't make the news..Let's focus on the REAL NEWS out there and how we can make this city a better one!
43526107Anonymous said on Wednesday, May 19 at 12:09 PM
They hear from me? What about that copper theif huh? He sure heard from you. Maybe you were involved with that theft and the reason that person still has their job is because he threatened to rat you out.
43524594what gives said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:34 AM
he has shown the city that he has no management skills maybe he is the city manages pupet?
43516531Miro said on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:10 AM
Why do Laredo firefighters have this mentality where they feel they deserve this unconditional "respect" for the uniform? What's sadder is that their own arrogant chief (who has zero communication skills) is failing to acknowledge their criminal behavior because he's more concerned with the department's image on tv. He should know better..
43514541backdraft said on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:13 AM
No te creo Landin. Clean up your act y no les tapes a tus camaradas. Como dice NoName, you sound like a corrupt mexican official del otro lado.
43500669NoName said on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:46 AM
4 arrested in one month. That's an average of one a week. The Chief says: "Sometimes, they are human..." I would hope they would be "human" all the time. Of all the male "humans" I know, none have ever been arrested. It frightens me to see that kind of tolerance from supposed "leadership". The response from the Chief almost sounds like what you would get from the chief of any corrupt Official from across the border. And it angers me because of all the many fine firefighters who tow the line, keep their noses clean, and do an awesome job for Laredo. I know they've been there for me in my time of need. It must frustrate the heck out of them to see their Chief defending/protecting the malcreants.
43499266Hangman said on Tuesday, May 18 at 11:10 PM
hang all corrupt officials
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