WEST ALLIS FIREFIGHTER LOSES JOB AFTER TELLING PANEL HE SOLD DRUGS

West Allis - An 11-year veteran firefighter who admitted to the Police and
Fire Commission that he sold drugs to an undercover police officer at his
home was fired Wednesday.

David Cashmore, the son of former West Allis Mayor Fred Cashmore, will be
dismissed from his position as equipment operator for the department
immediately, said Wayne B. Clark, chairman of the commission.

The decision follows the request of Fire Chief Steven J. Hook, who argued
that Cashmore violated public trust by breaking the law while serving on the
city department.

"I think this decision was appropriate," Hook said of the commission's
ruling. "Unfortunately, some people make bad choices. The message that has
to be sent is that people in a public office are held to a different
standard than other people."

John C. Talis, Cashmore's attorney, said he and his client had no comment.

According to the commission's decision, Cashmore met a woman in September
1999 at two different taverns in West Allis. While wearing a jacket denoting
himself as a West Allis firefighter, Cashmore told the woman, an undercover
police officer, that he used drugs and could get her marijuana for a price
of $30 to $40, Clark said.

On Sept. 30, Cashmore paged the woman saying he had the drugs and arranged
for her to pick them up at his apartment, which she did, Clark said.

Cashmore was charged with one felony count for his actions and has entered a
plea of not guilty in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. His next court
appearance is scheduled for June 2, Talis said.

When West Allis fire officials learned of the possible criminal charges,
Hook ordered an investigation. That inquiry determined that there was a
sale, so Hook filed a recommendation with the Police and Fire Commission on
April 27 for Cashmore's removal.

Clark said the commission believed dismissal from the department was
appropriate because Cashmore admitted the exchange took place and could
reasonably have been expected to know it shouldn't have happened. The
punishment of dismissal fit the actions, Clark said.

After the decision was announced, however, Clark said the decision was a
tough one to make, considering Cashmore's years of dedication to the
department and other factors presented to commissioners.

"The commission doesn't take these matters lightly," Clark said.