McDonald's employee fired for refusing to serve deputies

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The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said an employee at a Gainesville McDonald’s has been fired for refusing to serve deputies.

“I really appreciate their service to the country,” said customer James Drennon. “I say not serving them food, that's wrong.”

In a statement to FOX 5 News, Lt. Chris Dale with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said the incident took place Monday at the McDonald’s on Jesse Jewell and Limestone Parkways.

Lt. Dale said a Facebook comment mentioned that an employee, who was not identified, refused service to uniformed law enforcement officers. The statement read in part:

“Because of this, the McDonald’s restaurant in question learned of an internal employee issue and dealt with it expeditiously by terminating the employee.”

“It really upsets me,” said Tiffani Sheldon who picked up food at the popular fast food chain restaurant. “I have been in management positions before and I would have done the same thing, I would have fired the employee.”

In a statement to FOX 5 News, the McDonald’s franchise owner said when a customer does not receive the best service they address it quickly.

“Hall County has been home to McDonald’s for more than 45 years, and throughout this time, we have been ardent supporters of the Hall County Sheriff's Office and the men and women in our law enforcement community,” said McDonald’s owner/operator Robert Swoszowski.

While some customers believe there are officers who don't deserve to wear the badge, they said you cannot let some speak for all.

“If one of my employees at my job would do something, it would not speak for everyone in my company,” said Crystal Elrod. “I would not place blame on the whole entire place, it would be the one individual and that is what people do not understand.”