“The government cannot require its employees to ask for permission before exercising their right to speak freely. Free speech is for everyone, and that includes government employees.” – Alliance Defending Freedom
We are incredibly excited to welcome Chief Kelvin Cochran to our 2025 Stand Dinner as the keynote speaker! He was once known as “America’s Fire Chief,” but in 2017, he became the center of a religious freedom dispute over his Christian faith that led to a $1.2 million settlement.
Chief Kelvin’s 34-year career as a firefighter included several remarkable accomplishments, such as being appointed to the highest fire official position in the nation, the United States Fire Administrator, by President Obama, being named “Fire Chief of the Year” by Fire Chief Magazine in 2012, and serving as a fire chief in two states for over 13 years total. But all of that came to an abrupt end in 2014 when he was placed on leave and eventually fired for writing a devotional book in his personal time that espoused traditional Christian views.
Kelvin was inspired to write the 162-page book on biblical manhood while leading a men’s bible study at his local church in 2012. He consulted the City of Atlanta Ethics Officer to ensure he was allowed to write a book about his faith while serving as a city employee, and he was assured it would not violate any rules.
After self-publishing the book in 2013, Kelvin distributed it to the mayor, Christian colleagues, and like-minded members of the Atlanta City Council. It didn’t become an issue until 10 months later, when the book was brought to the attention of a city councilmember who identified as gay. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), who represented Kelvin, noted that “While Kelvin’s book is not about sexual morality, it does address the topic on a few pages and teaches—in accordance with Scripture—that sex is reserved for marriage between a man and a woman.”
Kelvin was placed on a 30-day suspension after the councilmember contacted the human resources commissioner and other city officials. In January 2015, Kelvin was fired due to his Christian beliefs.
“His firing was motivated by the city’s hostility toward his beliefs—a clear violation of the First Amendment. Moreover, the city did not follow the proper protocols for terminating an employee, which further violated the law,” ADF explained.
One month after Kelvin was fired, ADF filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta on his behalf. Nearly three years later, in December 2017, a federal district court found that “the city had violated the Constitution by strictly regulating its employees’ speech outside of work.” The court ruled that Atlanta “cannot require its employees to get the city’s permission before they speak about their beliefs.” In an incredible victory for religious liberty, the city agreed to a $1.2 million payout in light of the court’s ruling.
Listen to Kelvin’s story in his own words here:
Watch a media interview with Kelvin below:
If you want to learn more about Kelvin’s background and legal journey, we encourage you to read his book, Facing the Fire.
Every year, we fill banquet halls with hundreds of passionate believers who are ready to defend the family and our way of life here in South Dakota. Feeling like you’re fighting alone? Join us and connect with committed Christians just like you.
We’re working to build a community where Christians can learn together about the controversial issues of the day, have a platform to make their voice heard in the halls of government, and work to elect strong leaders who will represent them well.
Our Stand Dinners are an integral part of building that community. We hope you can join us!
Sioux Falls – October 2, 2025 – RSVP Here
Rapid City – October 14, 2025 – RSVP Here
DETAILS:
Doors open at 5:30 pm – Program begins at 6:00 pm
ATTIRE: Business-casual, professional.
Suggestions for Gentlemen: Sport coats, suits, or other professional attire.
Suggestions for Ladies: Evening dresses, dress slacks, or other professional attire.
