Decatur Fire Department lieutenant appeals demotion after being accused of making inappropriate comments at the scene

DECATUR, Alabama (WAFF) – A Decatur Fire Department lieutenant is appealing his demotion to the city's personnel board, claiming he was singled out and treated differently than others.

According to the city's human resources director and two battalion chiefs, Kevin Jackson is a very strong firefighter who is passionate about his job and is a charismatic leader. But the statements also portrayed him as a man whose emotions often got the better of him, creating a toxic work environment for others.

Mayor Tab Bowling demoted Jackson in July after a complaint was filed against him stemming from an incident in November.

As he rushed to the scene of a man who had been struck by a tree, Jackson reportedly said, “He's stone dead,” followed by “We're out of here,” before heading off to help at another fire.

Battalion Chief Brandon Strickland testified Friday that other firefighters often felt uncomfortable working under Jackson and believed he set a bad example as a lieutenant.

He was asked to provide documentation showing a trend of Jackson's poor behavior, but admits he was only included in the performance improvement plan this year.

Strickland says Jackson still has leadership potential, but he deserves the demotion. WAFF 48 News did not have a chance to hear from Jackson.

The next hearing will take place on Wednesday. We await his testimony.

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