An order from a Jacksonville chief officer to send a firefighter home over thick hair has sparked a debate within the department.
The firefighter was told he would need to cut his hair in the bathroom or leave and forgo an overtime shift at the fire station, sources told News4Jax.
“And that’s an unlawful order because the only way we can send a firefighter home is if we suspect him or her of being under influence of some type of drug,” Brotherhood of Firefighters spokesman District Fire Chief Terrance Jones told the television station.
Jones said the firefighter was never asked to cut his hair while working at his regularly assigned station.
“His hair was up, and it was legal. We have females on the job whose hair is much longer than his,” said Jones.
“As a policy, JFRD does not comment on specific personnel matters. That being said, JFRD Chief Officers are required by policy to maintain order and discipline within the companies in their districts and shall take necessary action to correct any deficiencies found. I fully support JFRD Chief Officers in their efforts to ensure personnel are properly groomed and present a professional public image as required by a longstanding department policy. In fact, during probation all new firefighters are provided a copy of all JFRD policies and are tested on them to ensure a complete understanding," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Keith Power shared in a statement.
The department updated their hairstyle policy last year and union officials do no believe this firefighter violated the policy.
