DEMOPOLIS – Newly hired Fire Chief Ron Few was not at the fire department this morning. City officials said he was expected to start his new position at 7:30 a.m. today, meeting fire fighters and visiting with other city officials.

Few, who was reached on his cell phone, said he was at a doctor’s appointment and would be available for comment after lunch.

Few, who was hired last Thursday, is now at the center of a controversy sparked after past allegations of wrongdoing in Augusta, Ga., and Washington, D.C. came to light. Three councilmembers who voted for Few said Friday that they had no knowledge of Few’s past controversies.

A special called meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss Few’s hiring. The meeting will take place at Rooster Hall.

The mayor and the council called the meeting in response to the residents

concerns, Councilman Jack Cooley said Sunday. He said the public is encouraged to attend. Mayor Cecil P. Williamson, who is currently out of town, will be back for the meeting, Cooley said.

Cooley said he received an overwhelming amount of phone calls from his constituents regarding the council s decision to hire Few.

Other members of the council could not reached for comment.