DORAVILLE, Ga. -- The local police chief and Iraq war veteran who made national news when he was fired, then rehired, is back in the spotlight.

Three City Council members said that Doraville's police Chief, John King, has been less than honest, he failed to follow financial rules and he let a dangerously flawed 911 system stay in place.

"You're talking about over half your council saying they do not have confidence in the leadership and direction the police department is headed," said Wendell Willard, a lawyer representing the three council members.

Those three voted to fire the Iraq war veteran on Aug. 7 at 2 a.m., but the mayor put King right back on the job.

"I have a lot invested here," King said. "Not just time, but a lot of emotional investment in the city."

King's supporters called the firing personal and petty. They said that one councilman criticized King for taking time off to serve in Iraq.

Willard disagreed with that characterization.

"There was nothing dealing with his military service as a Colonel," Willard said. "They are very, very supportive. In fact, the council voted to continue to give him full salary during entire time he was absent. There were parades for him when he came back."

This controversy has turned into a legal mess that could come up at the next council meeting and may well end up in court.

King and his lawyer are in talks with lawyers for the opposing council members.