Phenix City, Alabama Fire Truck Backs Mayor Candidate; Not Owned By The Fire Department Though

The fire truck sits at the corner of 13th Street and Broad, one of the busiest intersections in Phenix City.

The Phenix City Firefighter's Association labels cover the truck, while a huge sign proclaims: "Phenix City Firefighters ASSOC Ask You VOTE HARDIN MAYOR."

Firefighter's Association president Dennis Duty said the truck reflects the feelings of the local firefighters, but the city is worried people think the Phenix City Fire Department is endorsing a candidate for mayor. The fire truck does not belong to the Phenix City Fire Department and Duty wouldn't disclose the owner's name.

"It doesn't have anything to do with the city fire department," said Fire Chief Jerry Prater. "It's strictly an individual. I don't think he has very much support from our department."

Prater said the fire department has 57 positions, and only about 25 are members of the association.

Duty sees it differently. He said only 38 fire personnel are eligible to be members, because administration and staff aren't allowed, only firefighters. There are 27 current members, he said.

"I have full support, 100 percent, of the firefighter's association," Duty said. He said the group voted to endorse mayor candidate Jeff Hardin at a meeting a few months ago.

Duty was a Phenix City firefighter until he was fired last summer. He filed suit against the city for wrongful termination, saying the city fired him for speaking out against some procedures and for being the head of a union. The city has denied the wrongful firing.

Duty said in the 2001 election he was in favor of current council member J.W. Brannen, a mayoral candidate. But nothing changed in the fire department, Duty said. The association's complaints include a need for more staffing and problems with some of the leadership of the department.

The fire truck is "being done by Mr. Duty, who was terminated by the city 15 months ago. We're in federal court with him right now," Prater said.

Duty contends the city is just upset that the union exists. "There was a lot of folks very, very upset about the fire truck being out there," he said. "They don't want a union in city government."