12/29/2003: Mayor Herenton nominates MFD D/C Jerry Crawford to Fire Services Director.

01/01/2004: Mayor Herenton delivers his controversial STATE OF MEMPHIS address. City Council finds it a tough pill to swallow.

01/06/2004: City Council responds to the Mayor by Declining 4 of his new Division Director Appointments. One being Jerry Crawford for fire director, citing not on merits and abilities, but by his residence, which does not violate any rules of employment or appointment.

01/14/2004: Controversial emails surface from Dep. Director Claude Talford to Progressive Black Fire Fighters President Reggie Davis. According to the Emails Davis and the Progressive Fire Fighters were endorsing Chief Crawford. CLICK HERE to read them.

01/16/2004: Dep. Director Talford is not reappointed by Mayor Herenton. CLICK HERE to read Mayor's press release.

01/20/2004: Memphis Fire Fighters present petition with over 1000 signatures to the Memphis City Council requesting them to reconsider Jerry Crawford.

01.22/2004: Mayor Herenton reaffirms his nomination of Jerry Crawford and does not perform a nationwide search.