Alfalfa, Ore. – The Alfalfa Rural Fire District Board of Directors voted 3-1 on Thursday to place former fire chief Chad LaValle on administrative leave while an internal review examines alleged misuse of district funds.
Board action and statements
Board Chair Bob Kathman announced the decision, emphasizing that the leave is “non‑punitive” and will remain in effect until the review of district management and operational records is complete. “Dear Chad, effective immediately, the board has placed you on administrative leave from your volunteer position,” Kathman said.
Board member Mark Laucks cast the lone dissenting vote before resigning from both his board seat and his former role as chief of operations. Laucks later defended some of the questioned expenses as legitimate training costs, stating, “There were legitimate charges… Chad was also training and…”
Allegations detailed in local reporting
The allegations stem from a Prineville Review investigation that claimed LaValle used district money for personal and family travel amounting to roughly $56,000. Of that sum, about $36,000 was tied to trips involving LaValle, his wife Leslie, their son, former chief of operations Keegan Parvin, and former firefighter Ronald Reed.
One highlighted trip occurred in February 2022 when LaValle, his wife and a former volunteer firefighter traveled to Las Vegas. Records show the district paid more than $1,600 for flights, a stay at the MGM Signature, and a Priceline vacation package. KTVZ News revisited the trip in 2024 after a tip suggested the travel was billed as attendance at a certification clinic that the LaValles never attended.
Community reaction at board meeting
During a recent board meeting, resident concerns surfaced about spending patterns. When board members discussed why recent expenditures were lower than in prior years, a resident remarked, “As an easy answer, because Chad’s not here spending all of it. That’s why.” The resident also questioned the legitimacy of the Las Vegas trip, noting, “I don’t recall Vegas being a number one spot for firefighter training.”
LaValle’s response
In a statement provided to KTVZ, LaValle said he is assisting the board in locating files and expressed worry about staffing and emergency coverage. He claimed the district was already struggling to staff emergency calls and that his leave had been anticipated given the arrival of new board members. LaValle added that several volunteers have resigned since his suspension and that the station has been temporarily taken out of service at the administration’s request, potentially reducing emergency coverage for residents.
“I’ll reserve further comment on the review until it is complete,” LaValle wrote.
Next steps
The board has indicated that an interim chief will be appointed and that the review will examine all relevant financial records, travel documentation, and training justifications. The outcome of the review will determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted.
Alfalfa residents and volunteers are encouraged to stay informed through upcoming board meetings, where additional updates on the investigation are expected.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
