Officer fired, rehired, then fired again

ELBERTA, Ala. (WALA) - Terminated Elberta Police Officer Brandon Thompson said he turned in his police gear on Saturday after Mayor of Elberta Marvin Williams notified him he was being let go.

"I was given a piece of paper, and it had some pretty offensive accusations that were given to me. Things I feel were petty, and I didn't feel I had done anything extremely wrong to be terminated from the dream job I had always wanted," said Thompson.

Williams said he terminated Thompson based on his findings in an investigation.

"I listened to the evidence, and I terminated Officer Thompson based on what I investigated,” said Williams.

At a city council meeting, Elberta Town Hall was full of people voicing their opinion.

"When it was called to a vote, three voted for it and two abstained," said Elberta Fire Chief Steve Kirkpatrick, who is also a city councilman.

The mayor said he exercised rights he was given as mayor.

"The mayor has a firing and hiring authority. It's a new law that went into effect. So therefore, I was placed with the responsibility of doing what I felt was right for this town," said Williams.

Thompson said he was fired over petty allegations.

"I felt if I had done something wrong, I'd be the first to resign and move on. I choose to stand and fight for this because I believe in the town," said Thompson.

Kirkpatrick said he was briefed on the reasons for the termination.

"He (Thompson) was driving a police car with a low beam head light, voiding a ticket, which is not uncommon, and a minor insubordination," said Kirkpatrick.

He said the town needs officers like Thompson.

"Brandon's been a great officer. He works well with the people in the community, is very likeable and he is really good with the kids in the community," Kirkpatrick said.

Thompson said he loved serving the people of Elberta.

"These actions have nothing to do with my job or how I do my job. The citizens of Elberta are great people and it showed Monday night in them helping me and supporting me in what took place,” said Thompson.

Thompson said he doesn't want money or medals. He just wants his job back.

A post hearing is being held Monday February 27 at the Elberta town hall. It starts at 6 p.m.