Ousted Atlanta Fire Chief To Speak in Cartersville

Photo credit: city of Atlanta

The former Atlanta fire chief whose termination has drawn the ire of religious groups is slated to come to Cartersville on Sunday.

Former Chief Kelvin Cochran will speak Jan. 25 at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 112 E. Church Street in Cartersville, the church said on its Facebook page. Cochran will speak to the congregation during the 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services.

Cochran, who in 2013 self-published a book titled, ”Who Told You You Are Naked?,” was fired by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed earlier this month due to his failure to publish the book without approval from the city and his comments regarding the city’s investigation into the matter while the process was still ongoing.

Cochran was initially suspended without pay when city leaders discovered he had published and distributed the book to members of the department without the permission or consent of the city.

A spokesman for Mayor Reed said that the city did not tolerate discrimination or perceived discrimination against any group of people.

Some members of the Christian community have expressed discontent with Cochran’s firing, which they said amounted to discrimination based on the former chief’s religious beliefs.

According to WSB-TV, Elizabeth Baptist Church pastor Dr. Craig L. Oliver said Cochran’s firing should concern Christians nationwide and organizations should not be able to silence employees for expressing their faith-based beliefs.

Along with religious organizations, Cochran has also garnered the support of Georgia State Senator Bruce Thompson of White, who said on his Facebook page that Reed’s actions were “unacceptable and a true challenge to the First Amendment.”

Tell us: will you attend Sunday’s services to hear Cochran speak?