Crook County: Episode 6 – "Fire In The Sky"

Host: Kyle Tequila
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Podcast Series: Crook County by Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode 6 of Crook County, titled "Fire In The Sky," Kyle Tequila delves deeper into the tumultuous life of Ken Tekiela, exploring pivotal moments that shaped his journey within and eventually away from the Chicago Outfit. This episode provides a gripping account of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of a better life amidst organized crime.

Witnessing the Tragic Plane Crash (04:21 - 06:25)

Ken recounts a life-altering event from March 1979—the crash of American Airlines Flight 191 at O'Hare International Airport, which remains the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history.

Ken [05:12]: "The scene left an enormous impression on Kenny's mind. And over the course of the next few months an idea began to form that maybe one day he could be a firefighter."

This tragic incident ignited Ken's desire to seek a safer and more honorable profession, steering him away from his clandestine activities within the mafia.

Deciding to Leave the Outfit (06:44 - 12:50)

Fueled by the plane crash's impact, Ken began envisioning a future as a firefighter. However, escaping the Outfit was no simple feat.

Ken [06:57]: "I always knew that the less I knew, the better chance I had of surviving."

Ken strategized to blend his criminal responsibilities with his studies, aiming to obtain his EMT certification. His mentor, Mickey, played a crucial role in encouraging him to pursue education.

Ken [11:16]: "He just kind of liked me, and he knew that would not be a good life for me. So he kind of encouraged me on the side to just, you know, go ahead, get your education."

Despite his plans, the complexities of the Outfit's structure made his exit seem nearly impossible.

Relationship with Honey (16:30 - 21:24)

Ken introduces Honey, a compassionate woman who worked at the club. Their deep connection provided Ken solace from his dangerous life.

Ken [17:02]: "Honey was my girl, you guys. Honey was the best man... She felt very, very comfortable with me."

Their relationship was a breach of the Outfit's strict rules, which prohibited emotional bonds with the talents. Honey became Ken's confidante and sanctuary, but complications arose when Paulie, a high-ranking enforcer, began abusing her.

Ken [31:10]: "Then one day, Honey disappeared. He just disappeared off the map... I took care of that fat bastard myself."

Honey's disappearance marked a turning point, intensifying Ken's struggles within the Outfit and his quest for freedom.

Turf Wars and Internal Conflict (21:24 - 28:29)

The late 70s and early 80s were rife with turmoil within the Chicago Outfit, marked by fierce turf wars driven by the burgeoning cocaine trade.

Ken [21:50]: "We had gun battles in the streets and attempted takeovers of Outfit businesses all across the Chicagoland area."

These conflicts strained the Outfit's power structure, leading to paranoia, betrayals, and heightened violence.

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeff Cohen provides historical context:

Jeff Cohen [08:48]: "The Chicago outfit... still very kind of a top-down organization... they had tentacles that went into government and went into the police department and went into unions that allowed them to sort of operate with impunity."

The increasing external pressure from federal agencies and internal strife made sustaining the Outfit's operations increasingly untenable.

Encounter with Tony Spilotro (33:09 - 35:40)

Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, a notorious enforcer portrayed famously by Joe Pesci in Casino, enters Ken's narrative. His volatile nature and ruthless methods epitomize the Outfit's internal chaos.

Ken [33:09]: "I'll split your fucking head open again... I'm taking over these clubs."

Spilotro's aggressive push to dominate the casino industry in Las Vegas brought heightened scrutiny from law enforcement, exacerbating the Outfit's vulnerabilities.

News Reporter [34:30]: "Murder rates in Vegas had spiked to unprecedented levels since his arrival."

Despite his notoriety, Spilotro's actions ultimately led to his downfall, orchestrated by the Outfit itself.

Ken's Exit from the Outfit (35:17 - 37:06)

Amidst the Outfit's internal purge and the elimination of high-profile figures like Spilotro, Ken seized the opportunity to sever ties.

Ken [37:06]: "You couldn't ask for better timing to get out of the outfit than what happened there with all the chaos that was going on."

The disintegration of the Outfit's hierarchy provided Ken the perfect cover to exit, allowing him to focus on his burgeoning career in firefighting without immediate threats.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode (37:28 - 40:48)

As Ken begins his new life, shadows of his past linger, hinting at future challenges and the perpetual struggle to leave behind a life of crime.

Ken [37:39]: "Just when I think I'm getting away from this, I'm covering up dirty cops who are out there murdering people."

The episode closes with a promise of deeper exploration into Ken's ongoing battle to reconcile his past with his aspirations for a normal life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ken [05:12]: "The scene left an enormous impression on Kenny's mind... maybe one day he could be a firefighter."
• Ken [11:16]: "He just kind of liked me...get your education."
• Ken [17:02]: "Honey was my girl...She felt very, very comfortable with me."
• Ken [21:50]: "We had gun battles in the streets and attempted takeovers of Outfit businesses..."
• Jeff Cohen [08:48]: "They had tentacles that went into government and went into the police department..."
• Ken [33:09]: "I'll split your fucking head open again...I'm taking over these clubs."
• Ken [37:06]: "You couldn't ask for better timing to get out of the outfit..."
• Ken [37:39]: "Just when I think I'm getting away from this, I'm covering up dirty cops..."

Final Thoughts

Episode 6 of Crook County masterfully intertwines personal memoir with the broader historical context of organized crime in Chicago. Through Ken Tekiela's firsthand experiences, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the complexities and dangers inherent in leading a double life. As Ken navigates his path towards legitimacy, the remnants of his past continue to cast long shadows, setting the stage for future revelations in the series.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Crook County, where Kyle Tequila continues to unravel the intricate web of crime, loyalty, and redemption in Ken Tekiela's life.