UPDATE: Atlanta Fire Chief Fired

Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has just been fired by Mayor Kasim Reed for his views on homosexuality in his book.  Cochran had previously been handed a month’s suspension without pay because of comments he made in a book he authored last year. The book, titled “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” is based on Cochran’s Christian faith and includes his opinions of homosexuality, which he describes as a “sexual perversion”. Employees discovered the remarks in the book and filed a complaint with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s office. Along with his suspension, Cochran had to undergo sensitivity training and was not permitted to distribute his book to any public employees. Cochran has been a firefighter since 1981 and the Atlanta Fire Chief since 2010. In his book, he states that his goal as Fire Chief is to “cultivate its culture to the glory of God”.  Cochran’s firing from the department was announced today after returning to work following his suspension. Timothy Head, FFC Executive Director states about the issue, “We are shocked and disappointed that an employee can be removed from a position of public service for his personally held views. Mr. Cochran’s personal views did not inhibit over 20 years of decorated service, including being asked by the White House to serve as US Fire Administrator. But apparently Atlanta City Hall feels that, despite obvious professional qualification, certain personal points of view are not welcome.” Contact Mayor Kasim Reed’s office and urge him to reinstate Cochran as Fire Chief, compensate him for the month he was wrongly suspended, and to stop infringing upon religious beliefs! Contact: Mayor Kasim Reed, 55 Trinity Ave. SW #2500, Atlanta, GA, 30303. Phone: (404) 330-6100.