Last weekend I attended the opening ceremony of the Salisbury Festival. They went through all the dignitaries names and when the name Ivan Barkley came up the crowd simply went nuts.I have had the liberty of speaking to many Salisbury Police Officers over the past few months and each and every one of them talked about how great their jobs are now that Chief Webster has been removed and Ivan Barkley is in charge. Morale has never been higher in the SPD.
The chatter recently about Mayor Ireton not hiring a new Fire Chief in more than a year speaks volume towards his leadership, or the lack thereof. However, even though they have a fully qualified man, (Larry Dodd) who has a Masters Degree and is fully qualified even more so than those who have applied, Mayor Ireton refuses to make a decision because he's been told the Firefighters won't support Larry Dodd.
Well, for what it's worth Folks, since when does the Leader of a community led around like a puppet on a string by his Employees? If Larry Dodd is qualified, yet not fully supported by the Firefighters, HIRE HIM, You Idiot! Everyone knows there needs to be a TON of changes in the SFD and it needs to be done NOW!
That being said, the word on the street by some very reliable sources are claiming its just a matter of time before Jim Ireton announces he wants Ernie Leatherbury in as the new Police Chief of the Salisbury Police Department.
I have known Ernie for many years now and I can't pat that guy enough on the back. Not only as a good man but is a great Cop. His dedication and loyalty falls slightly short of Sheriff Mike Lewis. That being said, he does a fantastic job for the MD State Police and has always swayed away from ever revealing he has any interest in becoming the Chief of the SPD.
The chatter, however, over the past several months is that Jim Ireton wants him in as the Chief of Police and now we're hearing something might actually be in the works.
All that being said, Ivan Barkley, (to me) is like Rocky Balboa. He's the underdog who has risen up to the top because he's EARNED it. Ivan has told me several times that if they offer the position as a permanent position he'd be honored to take it. If Jim hires someone else he'd still be happy to serve the SPD.
One has to seriously wonder just what would happen if Ernie was hired to replace Ivan. When I mentioned this to several Officers they replied, we already have enough State Police Officers running departments in this County. Hence Mike Lewis, (WCSO) Ernie Leatherbury, (MSP) and Mike Phillips with the Fruitland Police Department.
The SPD Officers want Ivan to lead them and that's all there is to it. So why is it Mayor Jim Ireton is listening to Firefighters as to who they want, yet he's not listening to the Police Officers on what they want.
One thing is for sure, Ireton is completely unpredictable and you have to wonder just who's pulling those strings on that puppet? How about we let the Mayor know who the CITIZENS want for their Chief of Police and see how well he listens to those who hired him.
Would you like to see veteran Ivan Barkley or Ernie Leatherbury as the next Chief of the Salisbury Police Department?
I'd like to see Ivan as police chief. He has done alot since taking the acting police chief position.
ReplyDeletesounds like it's a win win whoever gets it..
ReplyDeleteI think Mike Lewis and either one will stomp out crime!
It's a win - win either way. IF the current Chief of Police is doing a great job and has the backing of his people, I say let him continue.
ReplyDeleteIreton is a joke of a mayor. He has no business running a city. I think Salisbury needs to up the pay and try to get a full time mayor. If the money was there, the good leaders would step up and run.
How about acknowledging that Ireton got rid of Webster? Youa re getting all over him for lack of leadership, but if he hadn't gotten rid of WEbster, we would be having a totally different conversation. Give credit where credit is due.
ReplyDeleteYou finally hit the nail on the head with Larry Dodd. You are exactly right in your statement that no one would support him. Joe I respect your opinion and appreciate the job you do on this blog but let me assure you of one thing. Once you truly get to know Larry Dodd and what he stands for I think you will change your mind about him. I know you have had your differences with the fire dept over the years but doesn't it say something about his character when no one wants to work with him? These men know Larry more than you and have seen his true colors. Dodging calls, complaints from civilians about his attitude. Simply put Larry is a politician and he has you snowballed for the time being. He views you as someone who can help him right now. As soon he is appointed he will be done with you. Do you remember all the promises he made to the volunteers when he ran for county council? He didn't follow through with one of them. A masters degree doesn't make you a leader of men, your character does.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 12:36, GIVE ME A BREAK! Ireton paid off Webster with at least $50,000.00 of taxpeyer money, so stop acting like he was man enough to have the stones to terminate a royal piece of crap to start with.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 12;40, While I do NOT expect many of you to agree with me on this one, let me at least throw you this bone. I retired at 40 years old because I ran a damn good company and am financially secure. I would hire a guy like Larry Dodd in a New York Second. NOT because I believe everyone would LIKE him. I'd hire him because I know that whatever job I put him in, that job will not only get done, it will get done on time and without any reprocussions, (sp?).
So until you're man enough to use your real name and stand behind your statement, I'll just chalk you off as another one of those Firefighters who talks the talk but isn't man enough to walk the walk.
Oh, I'd LOVE to know your business background as well, or is it all Fire Fighting?
Hire the man who is MOST qualified for the position. As far as Ireton goes , he has missed his calling. Any changes in leadership should have taken place when he came into office. That is the sign of good leaders. He should have made these decisions long ago , we now know he is a sissy of some sorts and cannot make decisions without an enormous amount of help. Mayor Ireton , go back to teaching , or maybe you can't do that either. Take your dress off and start wearing a pair of pants.
ReplyDeleteJoe, don't worry about too many firefighter comments on this article. Its too long and they don't have the attention span to read the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteIn bootcamp our DI once told us that he knew his choice of RCC was good when people complained about him. If the entire company had complained it would be one thing but when only a few complained he knew the RCC was doing his job.
ReplyDeleteIf Larry Dodd is appointed Chief watch all the rats jump ship. Let them go and hire people that want to work and do the job right. Let those cry baby Gordy followers go wherever life leads them.
Anybody but Leatherbury
ReplyDeleteSo thankfu the Old Chief is long gone , but should have never ever got the Perk from the taxpayers he did!! We now have 2 men who are definately very qualified for the position. It's about time we got some good people in there to protect us. Just knowing the moral is High among the staff is a definate plus in how things will get done! EW
ReplyDeleteHe wants Ernie Leatherbury because he is a good cop and most importantly Ernie is the Chairman of the Democrat Central Committee in Wicomico County.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the politics.
Leatherberry. we need total change in the SPD. They need to arrest everone that has a warrent all at the same time, ei. at 8am may 12 the SPD goes and arrests all outstanding warrents. I do not care is they have to put 10 punks to a cell. round them up!!!! Send a message to all the thugs that you will not run the streets no more. I think Leatherberry will do just that.
ReplyDeleteI do not know who would be a good Fire Chief, but what I do know is that there is a big difference from hiring someone in charge of paid employees and someone in charge of Volunteers. If the Volunteers make up the masses and they have no say in who leads them, then you might have a problem. You guys here do not live in the City where the Fireman are paid. So I can see where this would make it tougher for the Mayor to decide!
ReplyDeleteive had the pleasure to meet mr barkley. also had the pleasure to wait on him at my old job. he was always courteous and presented himself well. seems to be a great guys!
ReplyDeleteSalisbury News got rid of Webster, Jim just paid him on the way out.
ReplyDeleteacting chief Barclay should get the job. he has shown he can handle it and the leaders job should be attainable from within the ranks. it gives young men something to shoot for if they stay with the dept. Larry Dodd should also get the job. he is very professional, that is why a lot of the firemen dont like him. he cant be any worse than what they have running the fire dept now. thanks sjd
ReplyDeleteWho says the firefighters won't support him? He has more supporters than you think he does? The few that don't support him are the Gordy/Hoppes followers that need to go anyway. If you don't support him you obviously have something to hide or fear.
ReplyDelete12:40 you have no idea what you are talking about. You are a trouble maker without the balls to back your statements. Prove the facts! You can't because your statements are false and slanderous. Hopefully you will be the first one to go.
Mayor Ireton, please do the right thing and appoint the best person for the position of fire chief and police chief. Since when do employees get to decide who their boss is going to be? It's not a popularity contest. If I remember correctly there were many people that didn't want you to become the Mayor of Salisbury!
Anonymous 12:40 PM, only a back stabbing, lazy cut throat would attack a good person on a blog and not leave their name.
ReplyDeleteIslandSTAR you have no clue about the fire department or what you are talking about. Get a life and mind your own business.
ReplyDeleteIvan Barkley should get the job. He's a good man who is capable of getting the job done. Come on Ireton, this is a no brainer. Get with it.
ReplyDeleteKeep it inhouse.Leatherbury has placed the race card his whole carear.
ReplyDeleteMayor Ireton, why has this turned into a redneck volunteer fireman's election for fire chief? No elected executive would ever allow this to happen. Do what you were elected to do and appoint the individual most suited for you department heads. It is not a popularity contest.
ReplyDeletewow...kettles and pots @346p
ReplyDeleteAnon 3:30 LMFAO. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteOk...so let me ask a question. Why is it that the City has to constantly hire department heads from the outside? Look where it has gotten the City....Alan Webster, Police Chief - outsider, Pam Oland, Director of the Insane, I mean Internal Service Dept. - outsider, Stephen Brezler, Fire Chief - outsider. When will the City ever learn to promote from within. What kind of morale are you going to have among your employees if you never promote any City employee as department head. You can make them work as acting head and they do a great job but then always you always hire an outsider. I would understand if there were no qualified employees for the position. However, the City has some outstanding long time employees qualified for the job...give them a chance. Ivan Barkley seems to be doing a great job...why not let him continue?
ReplyDeleteWhile your talking about MSP taking over small departments.....don't forget about Lashley at SU!
ReplyDeleteBarkley should get the job. He is doing a wonderful job and has shown he can handle it. Very nice guy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on Ivan Barkley for Police Chief Joe. He has proven himself throught the ranks and is a good person. As far as Mr Dodd for Fire Chief I strongly disagree. Anon 12:40 took the words right out of my mouth. A Masters degree is all he offers and he is dislked by the masses in Salisbury. If selected they will amke his life a living hell and Salisbury will go further down the toilet than it already is. I only wish you could experience what we have from Mr Dodd over the years. You would not be supporting him for anything.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a firefighter, but I do know Larry Dodd. I would be very uncomfortable with him being given the job. I don't want to blast his character, but it just doesn't sit well with me knowing him as well as I have. Furthermore, wouldn't that cause him to be spread a little too thin? He was just appointed to the Board of Education.
ReplyDeleteIf the Mayor reads the rating cards that were passed out at the Chief selection forum it wont be an issue. The firefighters will not support him because they know what he really is. Doesnt it seem funny to you Joe that these firefighters are not willing to support Larry. They must know something that you dont. They're around him and know him better than you. Listen to the firefighters voice because they know a leader when they see one. After all they have to deal with it and you dont.
ReplyDeleteSPD wants and needs Barkley
ReplyDeleteAs long As Gordy is gone Salisbury will be better off.
ReplyDeletemore ivan barkley please
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the same redneck firefighter is bashing a good choice, but they don't have the balls to sign their name. Why are the punks bashing someone and not signing their name? COWARDS!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIf the Mayor reads the rating cards that were passed out at the Chief selection forum it wont be an issue. The firefighters will not support him because they know what he really is. Doesnt it seem funny to you Joe that these firefighters are not willing to support Larry. They must know something that you dont. They're around him and know him better than you. Listen to the firefighters voice because they know a leader when they see one. After all they have to deal with it and you dont.
5:36 PM
What is it that you don't like about him? What has he done to you? Are you jealous of him? Who are the firefighters you are talking about? Name names? Are you that much of a punk that you can get on this blog as anonymous and say negative things about someone, but you don't have the guts to even sign your name?
I think some of them FARMIN are running scared. They don't want an insider because an insider knows who the lazy ones and the trouble makers are. These farmin are worried that their gravy train is coming to an end. This is just to funny.
ReplyDeleteMAN YOU PEOPLE ARE NUTS!
ReplyDeleteIt's gonna be - gotta be Dodd appointed. He's Ireton's boss (BOE) Now who do you think he's gonna appoint?!
It's a no brainer. Good Luck SFD.
The few character assassains on here from the Salisbury Fire Department are the same ones who have ruined the fire department over the past few years. They are the same people that are going into your homes during an emergency. This is scary putting your trust in these kind of people. This is how they operate and they don't deserve to have a job with the city of Salisbury. The tax payers deserve much better. Clean house and get rid of them all.
ReplyDeleteIvan Barkley is the only one to consider. Think about how other officers would feel busting their asses to work their way up the ladder only to have their mayor hire from outside of the agency. No incentive to be loyal to an agency and city who won't be loyal to it's officers. Barkley has done a LOT of good since his appointment to interim Chief. The morale is at an all time high. The officers love coming to work again. He is MORE than qualified. Give him the job and the tools to do what he needs to do to get the job done.
ReplyDeleteMayor Ireton was on the Reddish show this week.
ReplyDeleteHe said he wasn't going to fix what wasn't broke and went on to sing Barkley's praises about all the great changes at SPD and the stats.
As for Mr. Dodd, I don't know him personally but hear he is top notch and will clean up the mess of that department. That may be why there is some resistance from the department. Slackers and big spenders will be taken to the shed.
Before I retired, I supervised 46 people at the end of 22 years with the company. I had to fire some. I had to hire some. I got input on few when there were team projects involved.
But it was my decision all the way. I didn't head up that department to be popular. I was chosen to head it up to get the job done.
Mayor Ireton, go ahead and pick the best man. It's your job, sir.
Ivan, excuse me the Chief, worked his way up from very little. I remember the Sheridan, I think he has earned everything he has gained for himself and his loved one on his own. I think he has earned the chance to lead the department. The way its been over the last decade just hire a Chief without such and open-ended contract, shorter is good. That way everyone can prove themselves or other things can be done.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should address getting rid of IRETON, he is so wishy washy he can't make a decision on his own. We should only hope he pulls another one like last time he was on the council and resigns. Now that would be good.
ReplyDeleteFor Jim Ireton to allow the firemen to choose his department head is a sign of weakness and piss poor leadership. Jim Ireton you SUCK as the Mayor and leader!! Find your nads and appoint the best qualified person for the job.
ReplyDeleteNot my intention to bash anyone. I simply wish for you to see what the majority of the firemen know to be fact. This is not a good choice for Chief of the SFD. We agree that the two current leaders are responsible for this mess and there is room for improvement. If you decide to appoint this man then you might as well stick a fork in it. DONE !
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of "rating" cards Anon 5:36 PM Bill Gordy made sure his followers were at the forum to attack Mr. Dodd. Jeremy Gordy I was sitting right close you and watched you give all low ratings before the forum even started. You can't tell me that forum wasn't stacked to benefit the Gordy's and their empire. Mr. Ireton if you allow this to continue I hope you get recalled very soon. I still have hope that Help Is On The Way.
ReplyDeleteYou Firefighters have no clue what BROTHERHOOD is.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim, hire Ernie, it will make Beckstead very happy!
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt no questions asked Chief Barkley is the better man for the job all the way around. Just because you work for the MSP does not mean you are the greatest. Barkley's work history is above and beyond Leatherbury's. It will be a bad day if another retired MSP is hired to run another police department in this county. All the Mayor will be saying to every Officer at SPD by hiring Leatherbury is go to MSP retired and you too can be the Chief. The county counsel told the Deputies go to MSP and you too can be the Sheriff. But if Salisbury City government politics mirror US government politics SPD will have a idiot in charge of them soon. JMO
ReplyDeleteJoe
ReplyDeleteYou stated you have spoken to many of the police officers and they support Barkley. Take the time to speak to the firefighters and listen to them. Maybe then you'll understand why they wont support Dodd. A Masters degree in biology doesnt make you qualified to be fire chief. You've made a serious error in judgement on this one Joe. Do your homework and ask around.
Dodd would make a huge and positive difference in leadership and that's what the SFD needs.
ReplyDeleteTo those Firefighters who claim they'd leave, LEAVE! You're all talk and no action.
Let me add, I have no real horse in this race. Yes, I know Larry and one thing is for sure, he's a hard ass and that's what's needed right now. He also knows the ins and outs of that FD.
Just because I'm saying I'd like to see him as the Fire Chief doesn't mean that's going to force Ireton's hand by any means. It's just how I feel and if I were Mayor I'd go that route.
The second candidate is more than qualified.
ReplyDeleteBS Business Administration
Retired Salisbury Asst. Chief 30 years experience
Fire Officer 4
MFRI Instructor 30 years
Cardiac Rescue Technician
Haz Mat Specialist
Fire Inspector 2
Selected to Executive Fire Officer program.
Commanded numerous large incidents with an excellent safety record.
All this and more with an excellent reputation.
Joe
ReplyDeleteSimply ask the firefighters. I know you have insiders who will talk. Your gonna find he aint what you think he is. Do your homework and dont get egg on your face buddy.
There's no egg on my face. You have every right to stand behind who you would support and I have every right to do the same.
ReplyDeleteThe BIG difference here is, (compared to all of you) is I do so like a man by using my real name.
Barkley!
ReplyDeleteI like ya Joe and your dead on accurate about Ivan. I'm not a fan of Hops or Gordo but we're better off with them than your choice. Come on man. Your a better judge of character than that dude. Dig into the subject like you usually do and put your personal feelings aside. I know your gonna get a surprise.
ReplyDeleteIf you're a Firefighter you have no real choice in the matter. You will respect whomever is put in that position.
ReplyDeleteMike Lewis excellent
ReplyDeleteDavis Ruark excellent
Ivan Barkley excellent
Earnie Leatherbury excellent
Dodd ??????????????
Why haven't you mentioned your boy Records? I thought he was your other choice for chief.
ReplyDeleteBryan is smart enough to not want the job. Trust me, I'd back him in a New York Second if he ever chose to do so. Any Firefighter that didn't support him doesn't belong being a Fire Fighter.
ReplyDeleteAh thats where your wrong. Maybe in the past that was true. The firefighters voice is loud and clear. This website is an example of that. The firefighters have made their voices heard and made life miserable for the current administration. They dont like what theyve seen and caused change. You dont want to ignore the little amn Joe.
ReplyDelete8:09- Funny you said the following and signed your name anonymous
ReplyDeleteAre you that much of a punk that you can get on this blog as anonymous and say negative things about someone, but you don't have the guts to even sign your name?
Well I will say as a vollie in this city, and yes a taxpayer as well. I will respect whoever the mayor appoints as fire chief. But depending on who is chosen depends on whether I respect the person or position. I attended the candidate interview and "WOW" is all I can say. Ed Werkheiser showed exactly how inept Larry truely is. Dodd dodged every question, and constantly returned back to his "roots" being in Salisbury. He acted as a true politician. Avoid the direct question and try to tell them how you relate with them. Ed answered every question directly and would often ask if the answer sufficed. But Joe you speak so highly of Bryan Records and his judgement. So doesn't it tell you something when it was apparent to all that Ed seemed to have his respect. When Larry finished he walked out with a simple thank you for your time, goodnight. But when Ed finished he received a round of applause. I will tell you outright, I gave Dodd a very low score. Simply because he dodged all of the questions and did not relay even the smallest of indications that he would fight for us. But Ed seemed like the department well being was his highest priority. For whoever had made statements about the previous administration being racist. Ask Dodd how he feels about blacks and woman in the fire service. Ask him about his affiliation with the sons of the confederacy. Now I know that the old "stars and bars" is supposed to be heritage, not hate. The few people I've known who have belonged to that group supported what the south fought for and are racist non the less. I can't support someone who has a problem with diversity. Because the fire department grows more diverse every year. I guess what I'm trying to say is "ED WERKEISER FOR FIRE CHIEF". I don't know Ed personally, but he was very quick, and complete with his answers. He was thoroughly impressed me and has crawled through the trenches to get where he is. Oh and one more thing, ask Dodd what his masters degree is in, and then tell me how it even relates to the fire service or makes him anymore qualified for the job. He would be just as qualified with a liberal arts degree if the level of the degree is all your infatuated with. So seriously compare their levels of education and life/job experience and then tell me if Dodds still your top pick. Because I wouldn't back Dodd if my life depended on it. You can't expect the troops to follow a leader who has never been on the frontline. And Mr. Dodd you have never been on the frontlines.
ReplyDeleteHouse fire Setters Court 2008 1650 hours. Fully involved house on arrival with all companies working. Numerous companies called for mutual aid to fight the fire. On duty that day was none other than the person mentioned above. Where was he ? Walked out the door and went home while on duty. He received a disciplinary form and lost any respect of his fellow firefighters. This is fact.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 9:43, that's a complete lie and I should have rejected your comment. However, let me prove you out to not only be the pansy that you are, let me prove you to be a liar.
ReplyDeleteHe asked permission to leave that day in order to pick up his children, 5 minutes before his full day was complete. He got that permission but a few of you a-holes charged him with such and attempted to get it on his record. Mind you, how many years has he been on the job there? You guys framed him and you still today try to use that against him.
NONE of you are MAN enough to use your names and I've promissed my readers I wouldn't use the name I would normally call you but it rymes with wussy.
None of you have changed a bit, unless this is still one of the select few trying to bash everyone decent in that Fire Department, forgetting all that these fine men and women have done to serve their community.
Only a wussy who wouldn't be respected even if you name was exposed would make such statements. Gordy & See did this kind of crap to ALL of the great Firefighters just to gain control.
How's it working for you now guys!! I think I'll go make a trip to Florida to get away from Salisbury News to relieve all that stress, doctors orders.
What about the person that was next in line under Webster- wasn't that Meienschein. I think he may be the most qualified. In fact, wasn't he Ivan's boss?
ReplyDeleteA leader can NOT lead without gaining respect and by-in from the ones they are supposed to be leading. Ireton is right in not hiring someone that can not possibly lead their employees. And in today's business world, you can't just go in and fire people without cause and that takes time and documentation. Ask your HR dept where you work about that. By the way, I thought that Webster left- not fired. Although, I don't doubt that it was really because he wasn't wanted anymore. There was enough about that in the media.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Ivan Barkley. If the morale has improved and the men are willing to follow him as a leader then it is a no brainer. Hire Ivan Barkley as the new Salisbury Chief of Police. He has not been that long out of the trenches he will not forget what his men face everyday.
ReplyDeleteMeienschein - he's the good pick for sure! Come on people - it's our safety at stake here. Give the job to a person with guts and integrity. Ruark isn't that guy for sure.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has known Mr. Barkley for years outside and inside of SPD, Ireton should back him as the permanent chief. Aside from being a good, hardworking cop, he has an amazing family and is an all-around terrific man. Salisbury would be VERY fortunate to have Ivan permanenetly lead the force. He deserves it and SPD will benefit from his years of service, experience, and character.
ReplyDelete