PETERSBURG, W.Va. — The fired Grant County dispatcher who delivered a Christmas message focused on Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve over the county’s pager system said he doesn’t anticipate fighting to get his job back.
Both Jared Alt and fellow dispatcher Hunter Whetzel lost their jobs last week. Their boss said they were insubordinate and violated FCC regulations regarding public safety frequency usage when the message went out.
Alt told MetroNews affiliate WDYK Radio said he did what was right and will probably just move on.
“I don’t see myself fighting to get my job back,” Alt said. “It’s whatever God tells me to do. I’m going to have to try and find a job; I got bills to pay like everybody else. I’ve let him guide my steps so far and He’s going to guide the rest of my steps.”
Alt said other local counties broadcast Santa Claus sightings on the radio. He said he wanted to send a different message.
“I decided to put one on there about Jesus and the reason we are able to celebrate the holidays,” he said. “I typed it up and prayed about it. I walked outside and prayed about it. I knew it’s was God wanted me to do so I did it.”
Whetzel said he’s heard from many people who were encouraged by the message.
“They were really touched and very thankful that we did it and it really made their Christmas awesome,” he said.
Officials with the Grant County emergency dispatch have said they cannot comment on personnel issues.