Fired Piedmont police officer was only doing his job, his attorney said

Ken Qualls, 45, wants his job back, attorney Jarrod Leaman said.

Qualls, who has 18 years' experience as a law officer, was investigating complaints of someone urinating on vehicles when he wrote the ticket Nov. 4 to Ashley Warden because her 3-year-old son, Dillan, dropped his pants in the family's front yard.

Police Chief Alex Oblein confirmed extra patrol had been ordered for the area where the Wardens live because neighbors had complained about loud music, beer bottles being thrown in their yards, vehicles being urinated on and obscene language being used.

Qualls worked a little more than a year in Piedmont before he was fired Nov. 16.

“He is disappointed with the city because he put his life on the line for the city every day,” Leaman said.

Piedmont Mayor Valerie Thomerson said she has responded to more than 200 emails from residents who are upset the ticket was written but has not heard any support for the officer. She said she supports the city manager's decision to fire the officer.

“I will not defend stupid,” Thomerson said. “I will defend the police and the police department, but not this officer's action.”