Marcus Banks, Greenwood’s recently fired fire chief, says Mayor Kenderick Cox’s decision to remove him was personal.
“This is direct retaliation for my support of (former Mayor) Carolyn McAdams,” he said. “Make no doubt about it.”
In response, Banks said Cox has found his opponent in Greenwood’s 2029 mayoral election.
Banks, Police Chief Terrence Craft and Public Works Director Susan Bailey, were dismissed from their roles Tuesday, Cox’s first day as mayor.
Cox said he decided to take his administration in a different direction and “bring new energy” to the roles.
Banks, a 31-year veteran of the department who spent 15 years as fire chief, said he felt disrespected by Cox’s decision. He said he learned of his fate around 11 a.m. Tuesday.
“I was at Station 4 on (Mississippi) 7. The mayor drove up and asked if he could speak with me for a minute. Handed me a letter and said, ‘We’re going in a different direction,’” Banks said. “I opened the letter and read it, and it said I would not be reappointed.”
Banks alleged when he asked Cox why this decision was made, Cox replied that he was dissatisfied with Banks’ answers during a department heads meeting organized a couple of weeks ago by McAdams for Cox to meet everyone.
When asked Wednesday about these claims, Cox said, “As the newly elected mayor, I have the discretion to remove department heads. I felt the removal was the right decision for the department and for Greenwood to move forward under my leadership. I wish Chief Banks much success in his endeavors.”
The former fire chief said he has been eligible for retirement for several years and has a number of outside interests, but the fire department was his passion.
“Elections have consequences,” he said. “The people of Greenwood have spoken. But (Cox) has people — and you can quote me on this — has people in his ear that’s going to ruin his political career.”
Banks said McAdams has been a friend and longtime supporter of his, and he would never run against her while she remained politically interested.
“Honestly, I was looking into retirement after she lost, but I was asked by a lot of prominent people in Greenwood and some of my firefighters for me to stay,” he said. “That’s really why I stayed on. I didn’t support (Cox), but I wanted to help him. I know a lot of his relatives. I know almost all of his dad’s side of his family. His father used to be a firefighter I worked with.”
Banks also said he never spoke about or made any negative social media posts about the campaign, choosing to steer clear of it. He said the one thing he did for McAdams’ campaign was help her put on an event using a promotion company in which he is invested.
“That’s what you do for your friends,” he said.
The campaign event was a concert held at the park between the two downtown bridges featuring 803 Fresh, widely known for his song “Boots on the Ground.”
Banks said he has no regrets about his tenure at the fire department.
He touted his accomplishments as its longest-serving fire chief: updating the communications system, introducing firefighter fitness standards, increasing firefighter pay and no deaths during his tenure.
“There’s a few things I wanted to do. I wanted to build another fire station. We desperately need another fire station,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate. I think it’s a horrible way to start his tenure and his term. I have nothing but praise for Chief Craft. I have nothing but praise for Susan Bailey. I think they were wonderful at their jobs. I think (Cox) was under pressure from the outside.”
Banks said he will fully support the acting fire chief, Martrellis McDowell, adding that he and McDowell started together in 1995.
“I want the mayor to be successful,” Banks said. “If the mayor is successful, then the city is successful. (My dismissal) just wasn’t handled properly. I think I was owed more respect and dignity. He wasn’t even on the damn job four hours, and he gives me a letter. That lets you know it was predetermined.”
- Contact Kevin Edwards at 662-581-7233 or kedwards@gwcommonwealth..com.
