Public Statement on PFC Commission Complaint Against South Shore Fire Chief Robert Stedman

On May 13, 2019. I filed a formal complaint with the Mount Pleasant Police and Fire Commission against South Shore Fire Chief Robert Stedman demanding an investigation into his alleged role in the creation of the "Let's Make A Better Mt. Pleasant" website.

I have it on good authority that Mr. Stedman's actions, if true, do not technically violate the Village Personnel Handbook which leaves open the possibility the Police and Fire Commission could vacate the complaint without holding him accountable for a stunning act of malfeasance and inappropriate behavior - not just against me, but also against other residents and Village Trustees.

Below is my public statement and attached in the comments is the complaint document and PFC cover letter. These are the only comments I will be making at this time.


MEDIA STATEMENT:
​
“For more than two years, I have been the victim of cyberstalking by a website that was created for the sole purpose to threaten, harass and intimidate me. I have always believed the creator of this website was a Mount Pleasant Village official. While the creator of the website was successful in keeping their identity a secret for many months, it was sheer coincidence that I learned last December the username of the person responsible.

In hundreds of errors logged online, one username is repeated over and over again: “fchief1951.” South Shore Fire Chief Robert Stedman maintains Yahoo, Flickr and Wordpress accounts using “fchief.” Robert Stedman was born in 1951. I believe Robert Stedman used a familiar username when creating the website thinking no one else would see it except himself.

Upon learning the username of the website’s creator, instead of finding satisfaction, I found myself gripped by growing anxiety. I began experiencing uncontrollable panic attacks, fearful that an emergency call to 911 from me, or members of my family, would go unanswered. The anxiety and panic attacks led to hospitalization and a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

​I believe the information put forth in my complaint to the Mount Pleasant Police and Fire Commission makes evident South Shore Fire Chief Robert Stedman’s participation in establishing, writing and maintaining this website. If true, it represents a stunning act of malfeasance by a public official in which he must be held accountable by municipal authorities.”
​
Kelly Gallaher
Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin