Conversation with Roy King

I was beginning to have some doubts about the people that are on the roster at the Lumberton Fire Department and then I had the opportunity to have a face to face conversation with embattled training coordinator, William "Roy" King. Roy told me that he wanted to let everyone know his side of the story and put an end to all the speculations and exaggeration that has surround this story.

Griffith: What is your position with the Lumberton Fire Department?
King: I am the fire chief for the Rock Hill Fire Department and I am the fire training coordinator for the Lumberton Fire Department.
Griffith: Were you actually arrested or were you just charged with impersonating a police officer?
King: I was arrested by Officer Franklin and transported to the Purvis jail by Officer Cassandra Fortenberry. I was charged and sat in jail for six hours waiting to post bail. I have an issue with my back and I sat on that hard, cold floor for hours waiting to be released. . and I still had to deal with the pain after being released from jail.
Griffith: Why do you feel that you were targeted for arrest in this matter? I have an idea but I can't prove it at this momement, but I am gathering my evidence and it will be presented at a later time.
Griffith: Are you seeking a legal remedy against those involved in this case?
King: I plan on taking legal action against the city for violating my civil rights. I want what's owed to me and my family for the pain and suffering we had to endure. .that we are continuing to endure in this matter. I know some people have exaggerated the events that took place, even those that are supportive of me in this case. I want to set the record straight, my dad did not die in the hospital, he died at his home and I was at his side. . .I didn't have twelve witness statement, there were three people that came forth to verify my whereabouts and there were at least twelve that were willing to come in and make a statement on my behalf.
Griffith: What is your connection to GreenTree Apartment?
King: I applied for the security job at GreenTree and toured the property with the manager. The only time I go onto that property is in response to a call from the dispatch and I am not there as security, I am there to assist with medical issues.
Griffith: What is your response to the statement that you made a racially charged statement at city hall?
King: I never made a racial comment and when I was there, I was discussing my case as well as a concern about the fire department. I told the mayor that if they started charging outside fire departments for water usage, the City of Lumberton could lose any support from the surrounding agencies because the fire coordinator would not let them come into this area if they are going to be charged for water usage. I challenge anyone to show where I treated anyone differntly when I responded to a emergency call. I don't discriminate against anyone and I treat everyone the same. There are people that are trying to turn this into a racial issue but it's not about race, it's about doing the right thing.
Griffith: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of this blog?
King: I find it intersting that I was arrested without any real proof, but the person that filed the charges against me is being allowed to walk around free. How can a person file a false report and go about his day to day business but my freedom was taken based on the word of one individual? . . . I just want the people of Lumberton to know that the fire department does not have a hefty budget, we get $1,000 a month to pay for expenses and the people that put their lives on the line and they're not appreciated. . .Me and my family had to endure the death of my father, my mother is still upset with how all of this happened. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.