Police: Man applying to be Marietta fire chief lied about military record

Former Marietta fire Chief Jackie Gibbs retired in December.

Former Marietta fire Chief Jackie Gibbs retired in December.

A California man falsified his military discharge papers when applying for a six-figure job as the Marietta fire chief, according to police.

Robert Kenneth Hume, of Campo, Calif., claimed he was awarded honors he did not receive during his time in the U.S. Army, his arrest warrant states.

“The Accused did alter his Army DD214, discharge paper, to reflect awards and military training that he did not earn or complete,” the arrest warrant states. “The alteration was done in a manner to look as if it was completed by Army personnel at the time of his discharge.”

Hume’s DD214 had been altered to show he had earned a silver star medal, a bronze star medal, a purple heart medal and numerous others, according to police.

“The Accused also presented a fraudulent certificate stating he had earned the rank of Master Sergeant, when the highest rank actually obtained was Sergeant,” the warrant states.

Hume submitted his application April 5; the warrant was taken April 17.

He was charged with first-degree forgery, a felony, and false statements as a military veteran, a misdemeanor, according to Marietta police.

It was not known Tuesday whether Hume would be brought to Georgia to face the charges, a Marietta police spokesman said.

Former Marietta fire Chief Jackie Gibbs retired in December after serving the department for more than 40 years, including 18 years as chief.

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Credit: AJC