Rule #1: What happens at FDIC doesn’t stay at FDIC – NM chief & two deputies suspended
Suspensions for Valencia County (NM) Emergency Services Chief Steven Gonzales and two of his division chiefs thanks to pictures taken while they were in uniform at FDIC in Indianapolis on April 21. According to a news report, the images were taken when Chief Gonzales, Division Chief Nicholas Moya and Division Chief Casey Davis were drinking beer at Ike and Jonesy’s during a lunch break from the convention. The restaurant has long hired women to entertain visiting firemen during the convention.
Valencia County manager Danny Monette says the photos were brought to the county’s attention soon after they were taken by the acting fire chief at the time. He says they are in clear violation of county policy.
“We expect a higher standard from our employees than something like that,” Monette said. “They were caught doing things that they’ve admitted to being wrong and they’re very apologetic.”
“I’m really really sorry for what I did,” said Moya. “I hope it doesn’t reflect badly on the county.”
Monette said he considered firing the chief and the two others, but after reviewing their personnel files opted for suspensions and a reprimand instead.
