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Lakeland Police Officer & A Juvenile Shot

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Polk County Sheriff’s Department Press Release

The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is investigating a Lakeland Police Department officer involved shooting that occurred in the Kettles Avenue area in Lakeland Wednesday afternoon, May 10, 2023 at approximately 5:16 p.m.

Video of today’s news conference from Sheriff Judd and LPD Chief Taylor can be found here.

According to information and evidence gathered at the scene, along with interviews with witnesses and officers by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, Lakeland Police Officer Jamie Smith responded to the report of a dangerous shooting near Lincoln Avenue in Lakeland. 

When he arrived in his marked patrol vehicle, the suspect, 13-year-old Wesley Dalmas of Lakeland was in the roadway and entering the back passenger side of a white Dodge Avenger. Officer Smith yelled for Dalmas to stop, but Dalmas ignored the command and got into the Dodge. 

There were two others in the vehicle: the driver, 19-year-old Jermaine Julian of Lakeland; and front passenger, 14-year-old Leonard Speight, Jr. of Lakeland.

The car sped away from the scene, driving east on Lincoln Avenue and the turning south on Kettles Avenue where all three suspects exited the vehicle while it was still in motion. The unoccupied Dodge ultimately struck a white sedan on Kettles Avenue before coming to a stop.

Dalmas, Julian, and Speight ran into an apartment complex on Kettles Avenue. 

Dalmas ran east through the northern part of the apartment complex still holding a firearm. Officer Smith instructed Dalmas to drop it, but he refused and continued to run away. Officer Smith pursued Dalmas around a building. As Officer Smith rounded the corner, Dalmas turned around and fired toward Officer Smith striking him once in the foot.

Dalmas again fled and concealed himself in heavy bushes on the south side of a building in the apartment complex. When Officer Smith passed the bushes where Dalmas had hidden, Dalmas exited the bushes. Officer Smith again ordered Dalmas to drop the firearm, which he again refused to do forcing Officer Smith to shoot Dalmas. Dalmas fell to the ground and was taken into custody. 

Dalmas had a 9mm semi-automatic firearm in his possession at the time of his arrest. 

Julian and Speight were both taken into custody soon after. Julian told detectives he, Dalmas, and Speight were out looking for a “target of opportunity” when they saw an unknown man walking on the sidewalk. They then exited the Dodge and began shooting at the man. No victim has been identified at this time.

During a search of the Dodge, a 9mm handgun was located under the front passenger seat where Speight was sitting, as well as several spent ammunition casings around the passenger seat. 

“Shooting at a law enforcement officer will never be tolerated. This 13-year-old decided to enter the world of adult criminal actions when he shot at Officer Smith, and we will do everything in our power to ensure he is held accountable and charged as an adult. Thankfully, Officer Smith is doing well. Our prayers are with him, his family, and the Lakeland Police Department during his recovery.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Wesley Dalmas was arrested for:

  • Attempted 1st degree murder
  • Resisting arrest with violence
  • Resisting arrest 
  • Discharge of a firearm in public
  • Improper exhibition of a firearm
  • Violation of probation

Dalmas is currently in the hospital and being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Upon release from the hospital, he will be transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and improper exhibition of a firearm. 

As part of Dalmas’ current probation conditions, he was not to have contact with Speight. 

Jermaine Julian was arrested for:

  • Attempted 1st degree murder
  • Fleeing to elude
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • No valid driver’s license
  • Contributing to a minor (2 counts)
  • Tampering with evidence
  • Resisting arrest with violence

Julian was transported to the Polk County Jail. His previous criminal history includes 6 felonies and 3 misdemeanors for theft, carrying a concealed weapon, attempted burglary, trespassing, loitering, failure to appear, and multiple violations of probation.

Leonard Speight, Jr. was arrested for:

  • Attempted 1st degree murder
  • Resisting arrest with violence
  • Tampering with evidence
  • Possession of a firearm by a minor under 18-years-old

He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation for attempted burglary. As part of Speight’s current probation conditions, he was not to have contact with Dalmas.

Guatemalan man with no valid driver’s license and illegally in the country arrested during the Willow Oak double fatal crash investigation

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On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 24-year-old Elmer Bryan Giron-Canil of Mulberry for 1) negligently operating a motor vehicle and causing serious injury or death to a person while not possessing a driver’s license (F3)(6 counts) and 2) driving without a valid license (M2)(1 count). Canil is a Guatemalan citizen in the U.S. illegally. 

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, were dispatched at about 5:41 a.m., to the crash scene on S.R. 60 West near the intersection of Pine Grove Road in Willow Oak near Mulberry.

Upon arrival of first responders, a 33-year-old man was found deceased. He was a passenger in a silver 2007 Ford Expedition that was driven by Canil. A second passenger, a 62-year-old man, was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Four other passengers were in Canil’s Expedition. They were transported to area hospitals where they are being treated for their injuries; two are in stable condition, one is in critical-stable condition, and one is in critical-unstable condition.

The second driver, an 18-year-old Bartow High School student, was transported to an area hospital where she is being treated for her injuries and is in stable condition. She was driving a red 1996 Chevrolet 1500 pick-up truck. 

Based on evidence and witness statements, detectives have so far determined that the Chevrolet was traveling east on S.R. 60 W and in the inside lane. At the same time, Canil was driving west on S.R. 60 W and entered the left turn lane in the median. 

As the Chevrolet approached, Canil attempted to turn south onto Pine Grove Road and pulled into the path of the Chevrolet striking the passenger side of the pick-up truck. The impact caused the Chevrolet to spin around and stop facing west in the eastbound travel lanes. The Expedition also spun and four of the passengers were ejected from the SVU; two of whom died. 

Canil told detectives that he saw the headlights of the Chevrolet approaching, but thought he could make it across. He also said he did not have a driver’s license because he was in the country illegally. 

“Not only is Canil in the country illegally, but his criminal actions have cost two people their lives and caused catastrophic injuries to others. Our prayers are with the victims and families affected by this horrific crash.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Canil was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and then transported to the Polk County Jail. Immigration and Customs Enforcement completed an immigration detainer for Canil after confirming he is illegally in the U.S. 

A portion of S.R. 60 West was closed for approximately 4 hours during the on-site crash investigation.

These Local Elementary School Students Celebrated Cinco De Mayo by Singing in English and Spanish

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These Local Elementary School Students Celebrated Cinco De Mayo by Singing in English and Spanish

by James Coulter

What better way to celebrate the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo than by performing traditional Hispanic songs in Spanish?Mi Escuela Montessori in Lakeland hosted a bilingual performance for families and guests during a special Cinco De Mayo celebration on Friday.

Nearly a hundred preschool and kindergarten-aged students had the opportunity to perform traditional Hispanic songs in both English and Spanish for families and guests. These students dressed up with decorated owl headbands to perform a traditional Peruvian folk song about a mischievous cuckoo and a wise owl, which they sang in Spanish.

As a bilingual school, Mi Escuela Montessori teaches children in both English and Spanish. As such, performances like this not only allow them to learn about music theory but also about the Spanish language.

“We were super proud of our preschoolers being able to learn the songs in just two weeks,” said Mercedes Haedo, Executive Director of Mi Escuela. “We believe that since we were able to teach the children in both English and Spanish, that it reflects what we are doing at our school and expresses our need to teach children in both languages and support both languages.”

Sarah Morrison, Music Instructor, chose the songs for their performance to teach her children about the Spanish language and Mexican culture, as well as to educate them about musical elements, especially rhythm through hand movements and gestures.

“I am so proud of them,” she said. “I want them to learn the joy of making music, to develop their confidence and make music beautifully. Everyone one of them is an innate musician. They are wonderful musicians as they are, and we just want them to learn to hone and develop their skills. We also connect musicians to music. I want them to learn that music through movement and singing, but mostly the joy of music making.”

Lee Dorbert was one of the parents of the students who performed there. He loved being able to see his son sing and perform at the concert, and he felt the performance showcased the school’s excellent commitment to education.

“It is not just a school, it is a community, and it is really good,” he said. “We chose this school because of the different learning styles. We wanted what is best suited for our son. It has been great and very hands-on. He is doing very well for himself. This place does a good job, and Kelly does a good job, and all the staff is very good.”

A tuition-free, public charter school located in Lakeland, Mi Escuela Montessori focuses on teaching children to become independent learners. They start by teaching children practical life skills while incorporating lessons about reading, writing, and mathematics.

“Our interdisciplinary, hands-on and experiential curriculum will be delivered in English and Spanish with the goal of developing biliteracy, bilingualism and cross-cultural competence in both languages,” their website states. “This program is offered to all students, including those who speak only Spanish, some Spanish or no Spanish at all.”

During their current curriculum about Cinco de Mayo, they taught students about the holiday, with some classes even teaching children how to grow plants to prepare squash soup and guacamole. Moreover, Mi Escuela Montessori teaches children within a safe environment where parents can rest assured that their children are being trained and raised properly.

“It is a safe place,” said Haedo. “Families feel safe here even when we have big events like this, we are so on top of it keeping everyone safe.”

I’m Mi Escuela Montessori is located at 6129 US-98, Lakeland, FL 33812. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.miescuelamontessori.com/index.html

Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Double Fatal Crash In Mulberry

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TrafficAlert

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating fatal crash on SR 60 West at the intersection of Pine Grove Rd in Willow Oak (near Mulberry).

The crash occurred around 5:41 a.m. and it was reported that a truck and an SUV were involved. There are 2 fatalities and multiple people with injuries.

The eastbound lanes in the area of the crash will be shut down for several hours. Please consider alternate routes.

Sheriff Judd is heading to the scene of the double-fatal crash on SR 60 in Mulberry and will brief the media there at 9:15 a.m. this morning.

PCSO

Donation Made – Florida Frontiersmen’s Chief Range Officer Joe Noto receives a STOP THE BLEED kit donated by In-Gauge of Polk County.



Saturday, May 6th, In-Gauge of Polk County donated a STOP THE BLEED, emergency blood loss control, tourniquet kit to the Florida Frontiersmen gun range, during the Frontiersmen’s May general meeting in Homeland, Florida, with approximately 100 people in attendance.  

The Frontiersmen’s Chief Range Officer Joe Noto received the kit.
May is National STOP THE BLEED Month and in an effort to generate public awareness of the ability to prevent needless deaths, due to traumatic blood loss, through simple easy to use techniques, with simple, easy to use equipment, In-Gauge of Polk County is donating emergency blood loss control, tourniquet kits to high risk locations.
In-Gauge of Polk County, an NRA chartered, non-profit organization, in Winter Haven, Florida specializes in firearms safety training and is a licensed affiliate of STOPTHEBLEED.org. In addition to conducting firearms training, In-Gauge offers free STOP THE BLEED training clinics to the public.
In-Gauge will be donating emergency blood loss control, tourniquet kits to other non-profit organizations throughout the month of May.
Any non-profit organization having the need for a kit, can request one by simply sending an email request to [email protected] or through ‘CONTACT US’ on the In-Gauge website. Requests will be evaluated and granted based on need.
In-Gauge will be conducting free, official STOP THE BLEED training clinics throughout the month of May.  Day and afternoon, weekday and weekend classes are being conducted. Pre-registration is required for participation. Registration for the clinics can be done on the In-Gauge website or through EVENTBRITE.

Homeless Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Stabbing Of Davenport Racetrack Employee

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DAVENPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Attempted Murder arrest

On May 8, 2023, at approximately 4:40am, the Davenport Police Department responded to the RaceTrac store located at 38425 Hwy 27 in Davenport regarding a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, Davenport police officers discovered that a female clerk had been stabbed multiple times. She was immediately transported by Polk County Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital.
Investigation revealed that an individual, identified as Marc Caseaf Tucker (dob: 03/02/1994) entered the store and began looking at various items and visiting the restroom. The clerk, who does not know Tucker, asked if she could assist him with his purchases, to which he declined. As the clerk was preparing to stock some food merchandise, Tucker approached her from behind and began repeatedly stabbing her in the back and side. The clerk fled from her attacker, however she slipped and fell to the floor, at which time, Tucker stabbed her several more times in the chest. The clerk physically resisted her attacker and was again able to escape, at which time Tucker fled the store into a nearby wooded area.
Tucker later exited the wooded area and was taken into custody without incident.
Other clerks were present in the store at the time of the incident, but did not witness the attack. They became aware of the event after hearing the victim screaming and observing Tucker flee the store. They rendered aid to the victim until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
As a result of the attack, the victim sustained a total of nine (9) stab wounds and is being treated at a local hospital. She is expected to survive her injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld in accordance with Marcy’s Law.
“This was simply an unprovoked, random attack for no apparent reason other than the suspect, Marc Tucker, committing an evil act. The fact that the store clerk resisted and fought her attacker certainly facilitated her survival. We are praying for a quick recovery of the store clerk, and will do all we can to ensure Mr. Tucker is held accountable for his senseless actions.” ~ Chief Steve Parker
16 Bay Street W. – Davenport, FL 33837 – Telephone (863) 419-3307 – Fax (863) 419-3308

Marc Tucker is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder.
Tucker, who is from the Winter Haven area but is currently homeless, has arrests dating back to 2013 that include Domestic Violence Battery, Assault, Theft, and Resisting Officer. He was released from the Florida State Prison system in January 2023 after serving less than a year of a 20-month sentence for multiple counts of Battery on Law Enforcement Officer. More recently, he was released from the Polk County Jail on April 11 after being arrested for Trespassing.
Below is a photograph of Marc Tucker taken by Davenport Police following his arrest.

Two State Correctional Officers Arrested After Lying During A Hit And Run Crash Investigation

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On May 2, 2023, PCSO deputies arrested 38-year-old Michael Grangerand 29-year-old Leila Chaney, both from Frostproof, after they lied during a hit and run crash investigation. Both Granger and Chaney are correctional officers with the Florida Department of Corrections and assigned to the Avon Park Correctional Institute.

Deputies also arrested 63-year-old Michael Granger of Frostproof, the father of 38-year-old Granger. 

At around 3:13 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of Platt Road and South Lake Patrick Road in Frostproof in reference to a single vehicle crash. According to evidence at the scene, a gray 2021 Hyundai flipped and rolled through a fence line and into a privately owned citrus grove, causing around $3,000 worth of damage to trees and an irrigation system. 

Deputies found the vehicle unoccupied and believed the driver was injured due to blood found at the scene. 

Deputies located the vehicle owners, Chaney and 38-year-old Granger, at their home. Chaney told deputies that she was the one who crashed the vehicle. As Chaney had no obvious injuries, deputies continued to question her about the crash, but she continued to insist she caused the crash and then left the scene. 

38-year-old Granger also told deputies that Chaney was the only person in the Hyundai at the time of the crash and there were no others in the house. 

When deputies attempted to take Chaney into custody, she began yelling and pulling away to avoid being arrested. Deputies were able to quickly gain control and arrest her. 

Once arrested, Chaney confessed to lying about the crash. She told deputies the driver of the Hyundai was actually 63-year-old Michael Granger and that he was hiding in the house. 

Deputies located 63-year-old Granger and transported him to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and then taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center to be booked in on three charges. 

“There is never a good reason to leave a crash scene or lie about your involvement. Just do what’s right – it will be better for all involved in the long run.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Welcome, World Travelers! Here Are 3 Things You Should Never Do at Disney World

by James Coulter

Once upon a time, there were certain things you did not need to tell people they shouldn’t do because it was common sense they shouldn’t do them. Sadly, common sense is dead these days. So now we must tell people not to do these things because they don’t know they shouldn’t do them.

So here are three things you should not do at Disney World—which, apparently, we need to tell you not to do because some people weren’t smart enough to know not to do them:

#1: Harass the Disney Characters

The meet-and-greet Disney characters are more than willing to do anything for guests: take pictures, sign autographs, and even record video messages. However, even Disney characters have personal boundaries (because everyone does), and yet some guests don’t know better enough not to cross them.

Case in point, in September 2021, a female guest thought it was a good idea to feel up the Gaston character at Magic Kingdom. Now, Gaston may be a flirt in the animated movie, but in real life, he’s played by a real-life human being with personal boundaries. So, when this girl decided to cross them, he demanded that she leave. No photo. No autograph. Just go and bring forward the next guest.

As Disney Fanatic reported: “The female Guest didn’t seem to understand what she had done wrong, or that the character performer was serious, but Gaston did not let up and refused to take a picture with her!”

Sadly, many Disney characters get mistreated by guests who don’t seem to know about personal space and bad touch. Many Disney princesses have reported being groped and touched inappropriately by guests, as have many scantily-clad characters like Tarzan. Even Jack Sparrow has been offered many hotel keys—but not to find buried treasure. And do we even have to spell out the type of harassment that black characters like Tiana have faced?

So, when you participate in Disney character meet and greets, remember the lessons about “bad touch” you should have learned in school. If you wouldn’t want to be touched somewhere, chances are, the Disney characters don’t either.

#2: Bathe in the Fountains

Disney World offers many opportunities for guests to cool off on a hot day. Many parks have water rides like Kali River Rapids and Splash Mountain (which, sadly, is closed for renovations). Every hotel has a swimming pool, and some even have water slides and splash pads. And, of course, if you can afford them, there are two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Unfortunately, it seems some guests simply can’t wait to return to their hotels to go swimming. Recently, several guests visiting Epcot thought it was a bright idea to cool off by taking a dip in one of the fountains. These guests were caught on video, which was then uploaded to TikTok with the caption, “What not to do in Epcot.”

Now, most people are smart enough to know that fountain water is not appropriate to swim in. It’s also not safe to drink, and yet too many guests insist on refilling their water bottles in water filled with chemicals, debris, and other dirty stuff that will certainly make them feel worse than slightly thirsty.

If you’re sweating up a storm and need to cool off, just hop a bus back to your hotel, put on your swim trunks, and take a plunge in the pool. Some hotels even have hot tubs. You certainly don’t need to turn a public fountain into one.

#3: Watch Dirty Videos and Do Dirty Things on Rides

Look. We get it. Waiting in two-to-three-hour long lines can be boring. And some of the rides the kids want to ride may not be entertaining for your liking. So, you’re tempted to take out your smartphone and watch something more interesting. Nobody is stopping you from watching the new season of The Mandalorian on Disney Plus while waiting in line for a ride—or even while you’re on the ride! (You spent money on admission. You do you!)

But…sigh. Do we need to tell you that you shouldn’t whip out your phone to watch dirty videos? And do we need to tell you that you shouldn’t whip something else out and play with it while you watch said dirty videos?

Apparently, we do. Because one man thought it was a bright idea to do so on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This guy was caught watching something that wasn’t family-friendly while doing something that most certainly wasn’t family-friendly. And to top it all off, he was smoking. Smoking in the parks is already prohibited, but what he chose to smoke was worse than a cigarette, if you know what I mean.

Look, if you need to ease some tension from a long day at the park, do everyone else a favor and wait until you get back to the hotel room. The bathroom in your guest room is going to offer much better privacy than an attraction, and it certainly isn’t going to jostle you around as much. (And please, keep the pot at home. It isn’t legal in Florida!)

What do you think? Do you think these guests lacked common sense? Did you think what they did went to far? Leave your comments on Facebook.

Lake Wales Police Searching For Quadruple Homicide Suspect

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Breaking News Update 10:55am:

Detectives worked with Sanford Police Department and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as Al Joseph Stenson fled to Slumberland Motel in Sanford, Florida. Stenson made statements that he would kill himself or force law enforcement to kill him. After hours long standoff involving crisis negotiation and SWAT, interactions ended in an officer involved shooting. Stenson was pronounced deceased at the scene. This case remains an active investigation and is ongoing. Law enforcement requests anyone with information regarding this case as it relates to Lake Wales, to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at 863-678-4223.

Any inquiries revolving around the activities at SlumberlandMotel need to be directed to Sanford Police Department or Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

——— Updated 1 —————

News Update 6:51am –


Detectives were able to determine Al Joseph Stenson murdered a mother and her three children early yesterday morning. Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Stenson on four counts of 1st degree murder. They have located Stensen and are actively working to take him into custody. 

During this investigation, Detectives determined Stenson shot the victims in an apartment then fled immediately thereafter at approximately 5 AM. It was not until 8:51 PM on May 2 that law enforcement was notified when the victims were discovered by family members. The motive for the murders is unknown, however the victims and the suspect knew each other.  We will not be releasing the names of the victims at this time due to Marsy’s Law.

We will provide additional updates as they become available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

—————— Original Press Release —————

Mother and Three Children Killed

Police Actively Investigating

 

 

On Tuesday, May 2 at approximately 8:51 PM, officers responded to Dawnligt Drive in Sunrise Apartments in regards to a medical call. Officers arrived on scene and found a mother and her three children, one adult and two juveniles, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers are looking for Al Stenson, age 38 of Lake Wales. Officers believe he may live at the apartment, and could be injured as well. If anyone knows Mr. Stenson‘s whereabouts, please contact Lake Wales Police Department immediately at 863-678-4223 or dial 911.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact DetectiveRicky Hartwell with the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Unlike Other AC Companies, Mission Air Services Won’t Leave You Sweating

by James Coulter

There once was an old lady who had problems with her air conditioning. She called a local company to fix her problems, but they only made them worse to ring more money out of her.

She ended up paying more than $6,000, which was a new thermostat and a monthly subscription to a club membership. The company supposedly performed other work on her air conditioning, but despite all the money and effort, her unit kept breaking down on her.

That elderly woman was the grandmother of Scott Martines, who was currently working at another air conditioning repair company at the time. She called him in the middle of the night to inform him that her unit had broken down again. It was 89° in her home and she couldn’t bare the heat anymore.

Not only was the broken AC unit messing with her health, but it was also draining her bank account. When she informed Scott of the thousands of dollars she had spent trying to fix it, the news broke his heart. She never called him because, like any grandparent, she didn’t want to feel like a burden.

“I went over there one night and saw the company that charged her did none of the work that they said and actually made it worse,” he said. Things were disconnected and rigged to break, to give her no other choice than to replace them. “If it was done to my grandmother after she told them she had a grandson who works in the industry, and they still were able to do that to someone, you have to imagine how many companies are doing that to people, and I want to try to stop that.”

Learning how another AC repair company swindled his late grandmother with faulty and unnecessary repairs and expenses inspired him to start his own company to offer better, more honest service. That story and many alike is how Mission Air Services started.

“A situation like that hitting so close to home for me is what inspired me to get my own thing going so that I could stop exploitation in the HVAC industry,” he said. “I really want to be there standing in the gap stopping unethical things done by other companies.”

Martines has eight years of experience working in the air conditioning industry. His first-hand experience working within it did not leave a good impression on him. He learned how underhanded the industry could be and how frequently some companies swindle their customers.

His previous employer proved especially greedy and unethical. Martines mentioned how his former co-worker would ruin the air conditioning units of clients on purpose to force them to consider buying new, more expensive air conditioners.

” Martines said. “He would ruin the air conditioners and give them only one option to replace them. He was not a good person and damaged the lives of good, honest and hard-working blue collar families.”

Martines also worked with other companies that intentionally coached their employees to purposely ruin air conditioning units so customers would pay more for repairs and replacements. Working alongside such unabashedly unethical people inspired him to leave and start his own company and offer more ethical service.

“It always broke my heart because I care about this community, I care about customers. I am a customer myself,” Martines said. “The customer should always have their opinion matter. The power should always be given to the homeowner and not stolen from them.”

When you do business with Mission Air Services Inc., you can rest assured that what you pay for is what you need and nothing more. You will not be sidelined with hidden fees or unnecessary repairs. What you pay for is what you get.

Chris Fletcher, one of the owners with 14 years of experience, promises customers fast and reliable service with plenty of options. With his level of experience in the industry, he also knows how other companies treat customers like dollar signs rather than real-life people, and he hopes Mission Air can change that.

“Every company we were at, they turned into commission base, which is essentially forcing you into people’s homes and sell stuff when they did not need it,” Fletcher said. “We wanted to get away from that where it feels like we are salesmen coming into your house. We want to go to your house, fix your AC, and give you options to do other stuff.”

If you’ve ever been swindled by an AC repair company for paying for service you don’t need, or forced to replace a new air conditioning unit when your old unit worked just fine, rest assured that Mission Air Services knows your pain and will only offer you what you need and nothing more.

“It is the main reason for our name: our mission is to save customers from situations like that,” Martines explained. “Our mission is to provide our customers with not just better pricing but 100 percent customer satisfaction and 100 percent granted that customers will not be treated like that anymore. They will get the authentic company that they have not been offered yet.”

Scott Hirst, who also co-owns Mission Air, doesn’t consider his teammates to be mere fellow employees or his clients to be mere customers. They’re all like a big family to him, and he intends to treat them like one.

“I love scheduling to help customers out with affordable air, and it feels like I’m not working at the big companies,” Hirst explained. “I feel guilty in a sense of how they treat customers like a check. [We] treat them like people, like family.”

Not only does Mission Air expect to offer authentic, honest service, but they also want to inspire other companies to offer the same. They want to serve as an exemplar that serving customers with honesty and integrity, treating them as people and not dollar signs, is the true key to success.

“We are hoping other companies will see how we are doing it,” Martines said. “They will realize we are bringing all that bad stuff to light and they will change it. They will stop doing the

negative stuff and understand that you can still have a successful business. We are just hoping to change the game. We can bring back honesty and integrity to this industry.”

To learn more about Mission Air Services, visit their website at: https://www.missionairservices.com/