Bold claim: a high-ranking DOT director allegedly berated a local emergency manager on a crucial blizzard conference call, sparking a controversy that could color his legacy as he nears retirement. But here's where it gets controversial: the details are contested, the tone of the remarks is disputed, and the ripple effects touch many trusted partners in local safety and emergency response.
NBC 10 I-Team has learned that Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti allegedly referred to a local emergency management official as an “f---ing dope” (or a similar harsh phrase) during a Wednesday conference call about the blizzard response. The target of the comment was North Kingstown and Charlestown Emergency Management head Scott Kettelle, who described the remark as disappointing and unprofessional. Kettelle, who is also a retired fire chief, told NBC 10 News that the incident does not reflect the broader, cooperative work between the governor’s office, the state Emergency Management Agency, and local communities during the storm.
An email from Rhode Island Emergency Management Director Marc Pappas, obtained by NBC 10 News, confirms that a “hot mic” produced an inappropriate comment aimed at a respected member of the firefighting and emergency management community. Pappas apologized on behalf of all involved, underscoring that the insult was undeserved and out of line. He conveyed that he personally spoke with the affected individual and stressed that no one should have to endure such behavior.
Scott Kettelle’s supervisor, North Kingstown Town Manager A. Ralph Mollis, echoed the sentiment that the remark was uncalled for and praised Kettelle for handling the situation on the call with composure.
Sources indicate that Kettelle used his questions on the call to probe whether additional snow-clearing resources were available for towns and what would happen if a town requested more equipment than needed and decided to cancel later. The exchange reportedly occurred as Alviti neared the end of his tenure, with retirement previously announced for later in the year; his last day was anticipated to be the upcoming Friday.
Context matters here: the Washington Bridge closure and the broader winter response have already drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and the public. The incident on the call adds another layer to how leadership and interagency communication are perceived during emergencies. While officials stress that one unfortunate moment should not derail the extensive collaborative work done across agencies, critics may argue that accountability and tone at the top matter just as much as outcomes on the ground.
What do you think: should leadership behavior on crisis calls be treated as an equally critical measure of performance as tangible emergency outcomes? How should agencies balance accountability with the need to preserve professional relationships that help communities weather severe weather and other hazards?
