Rickey Hill v. City of Pontotoc, Mississippi, City of Pontotoc, Mississippi

PATRICK E. HIGGINBOTHAM, Circuit Judge:

Former city fire chief Rickey Hill sued the City of Pontotoc, Mississippi, claiming the City fired him without due process. A jury found for Hill and the district court awarded back pay and front pay, in lieu of reinstatement. The City appeals and we affirm.

I

The City of Pontotoc, Mississippi, hired Rickey Hill as a firefighter in 1978 and promoted him to fire chief in 1986. As fire chief, Hill supervised fireman Lindsey Sparks. Hill clashed with Sparks, reporting to City officials that Sparks was dishonest and unreliable. The City transferred Sparks to…