Firefighter axed after threatening kids

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The search for a missing wallet spiraled into a string of bizarre threats that has one firefighter apologizing and, for now, off the job.

Last Tuesday, La Cienega Fire Department firefighter Samantha Nottke and another firefighter were at Santo Nino Regional Catholic School giving a fire prevention talk for a group of 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

After the talk, Nottke noticed her wallet was missing.

"She felt there might have been the possibility one of the kids might have taken it," said La Cienega Fire Chief James Valencia.

The kids were taken to a cafeteria for a meeting with Nottke and school principal Teri Vaisa. During that meeting, a few of the kids giggled at a visibly distraught Nottke. That's when Nottke, who also works for the county jail, snapped.

"[She] started yelling at our kids, telling them they're stealing from taxpayers," said 4th grade parent Amy Ortiz. "That she keeps thieves like them locked up."

An official fire department memo cites the comment as: "We lock up bad kids!"

But the wallet wasn't with the kids or even at the school. A couple of hours later it was found back at the fire station.

Chief Valencia says Nottke was absolutely out of line and fired her on Friday, but has since lessened the punishment and allowed her to re-apply after six months. Both Nottke and Valencia apologized in person and with letters distributed to parents.

"I am sorry for what we have done," Valencia said. "Not only for the firefighter but myself because I'm her leader."

Several parents contacted KRQE News 13, upset with the incident. Ortiz is upset at both Nottke for what she said and Vaisa for allowing it to happen.

"I feel [Vaisa] has a responsibility to keep our kids safe," Ortiz said. "I feel that she failed to do so."

KRQE News 13 reached Vaisa by phone Tuesday afternoon. During a brief conversation she said it was time for the school to forgive and move on and claimed parents were blowing the whole situation out of proportion.

Vaisa held a meeting with parents Tuesday evening to discuss concerns.