DECATUR, Ala. — A hearing was held Friday as a Decatur first responder appeals a demotion levied against him by Mayor Tab Bowling earlier this year.
Lt. Kevin Jackson was demoted to the basic status of firefighter in response to an incident that took place at the scene of a medical call in November 2023.
Jackson was rendering aid to a cardiac arrest victim after a tree had fallen on the man. As first responders were treating the man, another call came in for a structure fire in Jackson's jurisdiction.
A disciplinary letter penned by Bowling states that Jackson is quoted as saying, "He is dead as f---. We're out of here."
The man was reportedly taken to the hospital, where he later died.
A formal complaint was lodged against Jackson in February 2024, and the letter of demotion came down June 21.
Battalion Chief Brandon Strickland said he agreed with the decision to demote Jackson. He said during Friday's hearing that comments from other staff have been that of relief, with one saying, "the environment is like a breath of fresh air."
Decatur Fire Chief Tracy Thornton said he hates to see Jackson's career take this turn, but believes the moment was very needed.
"I'm sad that we're here," said Thornton. "It's hard on the department, and it's hard on the employee. It's a tough situation all around. Kevin is a good person. You're going to learn from those [moments] and make better decisions going forward."
Rodney Gordon, president of the Morgan County chapter of the NAACP, feels this is another moment of targeted behavior against people of color.
"Every time there is an issue in our city involving the mayor, it's a racial issue," Gordon said. "That's a bad sign. Until we get rid of these bad signs, our city is not going to grow."
Testimony in the appeal hearing is expected to continue on Wednesday.