Crook County: Episode 8 - "The Rear View Mirror"

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Hosted by Kyle Tequila, produced by Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode 8 of "Crook County," titled "The Rear View Mirror," host Kyle Tequila delves deeper into the tumultuous life of his father, Ken Tequila—a celebrated Chicago firefighter who simultaneously led a secret life as a hitman for the Chicago mafia. This episode explores the pivotal moments that led to Ken's downfall, his struggle with addiction, and the profound impact his double life had on his family.

Ken's Transition to Firefighting and Crime

The episode opens with Ken Tequila expressing his desire to leave behind his life of crime:

Ken Tequila [04:19]: "I really wanted to get back into civilian life. I was ready for it."

Despite his intentions, Ken finds it challenging to escape his past. His role within both the Chicago Fire Department and the mafia creates an intricate web of deceit and danger:

Kyle Tequila [04:25]: "The cops are just as crooked as the criminals."

Ken grapples with the constant pressure of his criminal obligations, revealing the impossibility of fully abandoning his past:

Ken Tequila [04:48]: "I always had that pendulum swinging over my fucking head that I could be called in at any time."

The Incident: Fire Station Accident

A turning point in Ken's life occurs in the late 1990s during a routine call to a grocery store fire with a high, arched bowstring truss roof. The complexity of the situation leads to a catastrophic accident:

Mike [20:02]: "The fire alarm sounded... the ladder kicked out and it fell on your dad."

Ken sustains severe injuries—fractured limbs and facial damage—and recounts the traumatic experience:

Ken Tequila [23:02]: "Fractured my left hand, fractured my right and left knee, some damage to my face and skull..."

This accident not only leaves Ken physically scarred but also marks the beginning of his battle with addiction.

Descent into Addiction

Post-accident, Ken becomes dependent on painkillers, which gradually morph into a heroin addiction. His struggle is evident through his estrangement from family and visible signs of drug use:

Kyle Tequila [23:53]: "When the pills stopped being enough to satisfy his addiction, he turned to heroin... you could see the veins from his inner elbow all the way down to his wrist."

Mike, Ken's old ambulance partner, provides insight into Ken's hidden battles:

Mike [24:47]: "I knew he was struggling with stuff, but I couldn't tell what... he likes to play his cards very close to the chest."

Impact on Family and Relationships

Ken's addiction wreaks havoc on his family dynamics, leading to emotional and physical distancing:

Kyle Tequila [28:27]: "I don't need to rehash the pain we all went through during this period of self-destruction."

Family members share their perspectives, highlighting the deep scars left by Ken's actions and lifestyle:

Rich [29:06]: "I just can't do it because there's just too many things for too long, and I just can't do it."

Kyle reflects on the duality of his father's persona, juxtaposing Ken's role as a loving grandfather with his dark past:

Kyle Tequila [12:38]: "That's the perfect example of just how easy it was for him to hide this dark double life from us for all these years."

Ken's Struggle and Redemption

In 2013, after years of deceit, Ken reaches out to his son for help, signaling a desire to change:

Kyle Tequila [28:27]: "After all the pain and abuse, what else could we do?... I had been estranged from him for nearly five years when he finally reached out to me for help in 2013."

Ken's brother, Rich, recounts the moment he intervened to prevent Ken from self-harm, effectively saving his life:

Rich [29:06]: "...he was in a really bad place... I saved his life because he was in a really bad place."

As Ken embarks on the path to sobriety, he begins to open up about his past, seeking forgiveness and striving for redemption:

Ken Tequila [30:20]: "I just hope that, God, I get forgiven for this... I regret every second of it."

Family Members' Perspectives

The episode features heartfelt testimonials from various family members and close associates:

• Mike [32:21]: "He changed my life just being friends with him... I'm basically here because of him."

• Kyle Tequila [33:53]: "I've come to peace with the past... I look it right in the eyes and embrace it, learn from it, share it with the world."

These narratives underscore the complex emotions of love, resentment, and forgiveness that permeate the family's journey.

Conclusion and Reflections

Kyle Tequila concludes the episode by reflecting on the revelations about his father's life and the resilience of his family. Despite the darkness of Ken's past, Kyle chooses to honor the positive memories and the lessons learned:

Kyle Tequila [33:53]: "I am not ashamed of it. I do not run from it. I look it right in the eyes and embrace it, learn from it, share it with the world."

The episode serves as a poignant exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity, the long-term effects of addiction, and the enduring bonds of family.

Notable Quotes

• Ken Tequila [05:25]: "He's a soldier but he's a higher end soldier. ... my mission. To snuff the life out of this guy."

• Ken Tequila [07:00]: "I led this son of a bitch right into a kill... his fucking car exploded."

• Kyle Tequila [30:49]: "I have been completely sheltered from the evil that plagued my dad's entire existence."

Acknowledgments

Kyle extends his gratitude to family members, friends, and experts who contributed to uncovering his father's story, highlighting the collective effort required to navigate such a personal and harrowing journey.

Crook County continues to unravel the intricate tapestry of Ken Tequila's life, offering listeners a deep and empathetic look into the complexities of familial bonds affected by crime and addiction.