GAINESVILLE - Oakwood City Manager Stan Brown - commenting on a suit filed against the city by a fired city police officer - says his dismissal was not related to James Youngblood's military service or deployment.
James Youngblood of Winder has filed suit against the city and police chief Randall Moon.
Youngblood says he was fired July 2 as he was preparing for a third overseas deployment as a member of the Georgia Army National Guard.
The suit says Oakwood violated federal regulations governing the employment and re-employment of members of the military.
Youngblood is seeking unspecified damages as well as his reinstatement as a police officer with Oakwood P.D. and back pay and benefits, both with interest.
Brown issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying Youngblood was employed as an officer with the Oakwood Police Department from Nov. 17, 2007 until July 2, 2009.
"Mr. Youngbloodâ