Personnel board upholds demotion of two former Decatur Fire Lieutenants

DECATUR, Ala. ( WHNT ) — The Personnel Board of the City of Decatur upheld the demotion of two former Decatur Fire Lieutenants after several hearings, the board announced Wednesday.

After reviewing evidence that included personal testimony and exhibits, the board said it was “satisfied” that Kevin Jackson and Curtis Butler’s demotions to the lowest rank were lawful and that the discipline was not too severe.

News 19 reported in August that Butler had been demoted in June for behavior earlier in the year. Mayor Tab Bowling’s demotion letter to Butler alleged he brought several guns at the station and allowed a female acquaintance into the station after hours — both violations of Decatur Fire and Rescue policy.

Butler told News 19 he didn’t deny the allegations about leaving firearms at the station but that the female acquaintance allegation is not true and appealed the demotion.

News 19 also reported in August that Jackson was demoted after his superiors questioned a verbal response to a medical call. He also appealed the decision.

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