Talbot The Divider

Jim Talbot’s Grudge Against St. George Firefighters

In recent days, St. George Councilman Jim Talbot has taken to social media to publicly criticize St. George Firefighters Local 4524 President Jason Turner — an act that, frankly, says more about Talbot’s personal grudges than it does about union leadership.

Let’s set the record straight.

Jason Turner, as president of Local 4524, has consistently acted in the best interests of the firefighters he represents. His mission has been clear: advocate for fairness, accountability, and adherence to the law — even when doing so ruffles feathers in powerful circles.

One of those feathers belongs to Jim Talbot.

Last year, Turner raised concerns over Talbot holding dual public positions — simultaneously serving on the St. George Fire Civil Service Board and the St. George Transition District. Citing legal opinions and state rulings, Turner requested clarification and called for Talbot to choose one role to avoid conflicts of interest. Rather than simply addressing the issue with maturity, Talbot has seemingly carried a grudge ever since.

Fast forward to today, and Talbot’s Facebook remarks calling out Turner appear less like the comments of a public servant and more like the jabs of someone with a long memory and a thin skin. Talbot tells Turner he “doesn’t like the way he operates”. What does this mean? Like, following the law? In reality, the union has been standing up for 150 firefighters who have been underpaid, overlooked, and, in many cases, retaliated against by leadership. But everyone the union points out for breaking laws seems to just want to then become vindictive.

Let’s be clear:

• Jason Turner operates with the full authority of the Local 4524 membership.

• The union is not a fringe group — it is the collective voice of the very men and women who keep this community safe every day. Nearly 100% of the men and women on fire trucks VOLUNTARILY are members of this association!

• Turner’s push for legal clarity on Talbot’s dual roles wasn’t personal — it was about good governance.

We sincerely hope this is not the new direction the City of St. George intends to go — where personal grievances take priority over good leadership, transparency, and public service. The community deserves better, and so do the firefighters who protect it.