PETERSBURG, W.Va. — Two Grant County 911 dispatchers were fired Tuesday for airing a Christian-themed message over the county’s pager system on Christmas Eve.
Hunter Whetzel and Jared Alt took part in the broadcast that focused on the birth of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.
Alt said he believed the message of the real meaning of Christmas needed to be broadcast. Alt said they waited until all emergency units were back in service and not on calls to broadcast the message.
The men said they were fired for insubordination and violation of FCC regulations regarding public safety frequency usage. Both said they will fight for their jobs.
Officials with the Grant County emergency dispatch said they cannot comment on personnel issues.