PHENIX CITY, Ala. — Two Lee County Sheriff’s deputies were denied service at a Phenix City, Alabama, Taco Bell Saturday night, leading to the cashier being fired.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told the Opelika-Auburn News the two officers initially thought it was a joke, before realizing the woman was serious.

“They initially thought that she was joking,” Jones said. “They even asked her if she was kidding. Her response was, ‘No, I’m not. We don’t serve law enforcement, and you need to leave.’”

At that point the deputies left the restaurant.

“I’m very disappointed in the fact that simply because two individuals were wearing the uniform of a law enforcement officer that they were refused service at this establishment,” Jones continued. “I would hope, and am more inclined to think, that this was the action of one person as opposed to a corporate policy or general cultural attitude of the business itself.”

A spokesperson for Tacala released the following statement to the Opelika-Auburn News:

“Taco Bell and Tacala, the franchise owner of the Phenix City Taco Bell, in no way endorse this sentiment…We are deeply appreciative of the men and women who have taken the oath to serve and protect our communities… (T)he franchise owner of that location, has terminated the employee who refused service to two Lee County Deputies on July 16th. Tacala has contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Department to apologize directly to the two Deputies and assure them of their ongoing support of law enforcement.”

(h/t OA News)