UPDATE: The city manager’s office has submitted an official statement to Politics Elections on behalf of Jim Fatland. An updated story can also be seen here.
A short summary of the statement was also covered by the Transylvania Times here.
Updated coverage with a press release here and new coverage from the Transylvania Times here as of June 10, 2019.
Since Politics Election broke this story, other news outlets are picking up the story, you can see a video from the Brevard, North Carolina local news channel highlighting the story below.
SEE UPDATED LOCAL NEWS ‘WLOS ABC 13’ VIDEO FROM JUNE 10, 2019:
SEE STATEMENT BELOW:
“Earlier this year I was asked to participate in the planning of the Memorial Day Parade by the American Legion. My background includes service with the United States Coast Guard Reserves, so it was certainly an honor to not only be asked to help in the planning of the parade, but also when I was later asked to be a participant. On the morning of the parade, I left home partially dressed in my uniform, but did not realize until I arrived, and went to place the uniform coat on, that the coat belonged to my son, who previously served in the Air Force. My family has a history of military service to include my two brothers who served in the Air Force and my father who served in the Army Air Corps. My decision to continue with my involvement with the event and wear that uniform jacket was in no way intended to diminish the importance and dignity of the military service and protocols, and I sincerely apologize to those who may be offended by my decision. I am proud of my service and am grateful to all the men or women who have served, and continue to serve, in the armed forces.”
According to multiple public Facebook posts, at least two people, Brevard City, North Carolina firefighters in Transylvania County were let go from their jobs for exposing their city manager for allegedly engaging in stolen valor by improperly wearing various uniforms from multiple branches together. Summer Stephens-Travis and what appears to be her husband Carl Travis are the city employees.
The manager in question, Jim Fatland, has been reached out to by Politics Elections to be able to give his side of the story. We left a message with his assistant and have yet to receive a statement or response. The photo in question appears to have been originally posted by Facebook page “The Transylvania Times” here.
There is currently a petition going around and being signed by many people who believe that these two were fired on invalid pretenses. As of now, nearly 500 people have signed. The petition body reads as follows:
“This is a petition to get Richard Carl Travis and Summer Stephens-Travis reinstated on the Brevard Fire Department. During the white squirrel festival our city manager, Jim Fatland, wore a miss matched uniform. Many Transylvanians and service men/women felt this was disrespectful and shared the photo taken by the Transylvania Time. Most citizens, including Carl & Summer, took to social media hoping it would bring awareness and a subsequent apology. It did not. Instead, a 24 year member of the Brevard Fire Department and his wife were terminated. This is not the Brevard I know. This is not democracy. Please sign this petition to show support that we as citizens of Brevard and Transylvania County are able to speak out when something is wrong with behaviors of a person representing the city of Brevard, otherwise, we all lose!”
SEE FACEBOOK POST BELOW BY SUMMER STEPHENS-TRAVIS:
The most viral public post about the story is by Facebook user Chris Pogue who looks to be a U.S. Marine. His post reads:
“Gonna take to FB to clear some things up concerning this photo that was taken at the Memorial Day parade in Brevard, NC and published. I’ve had a few people reach out to me to clarify a few things. First, the person in this made up uniform, come to find out, is the City Manager for Brevard, Jim Fatland. Second, for those who can’t figure it out, he has on a Coast Guard cover, a coast guard shirt with collar emblems and an Air Force blouse on. He was addressed prior to the parade about his uniform and didn’t seem to care and wore it anyway. Third, he was later called out by some folks on social media that were employed by the city of which he sent some hit man to fire them. Now I hear other people’s jobs are on the line. Here’s my question, when is Mr Fatland going to be charged with a violation of the Stolen Valor Act and asked to resign instead of getting someone to do his dirty work and hide? Mr Fatland if you’d like to come talk to me or try to fire me (lol) I’ll welcome you or any of your hit men. Do me one favor though, don’t wear that silly ass uniform you made up when you come!!!!
SEMPER FI!”
SEE FACEBOOK POST BELOW:
UPDATE: Chris Pogue, retired NC Highway patrolman told Politics Elections:
“Good Afternoon. I just read Mr. Fatland’s response to the citizens of Brevard, NC. I’m gonna have to go one step further and still call this unacceptable. He was confronted by a US Army veteran, that he was out of uniform and needed to stand down. He responded to the veteran that he didn’t care and was going to remain in the parade. This is not only a total disregard for the veterans that we salute during Memorial Day that didn’t make it back but for those of us left here to salute them and carry on the legacy of the United States Armed Forces. These actions and his so called apology are in itself disrespectful and pathetic. SEMPER FI. Chris Pogue.”
This is a developing story and we will try our best to bring further updates to this story as we are able to.