Political Mischief Investigated at Florida Fire Station

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Two pieces of political paraphernalia found at the same Pompano Beach fire station have led to investigations by city officials.

Political views expressed on items that could be considered offensive or divisive don't belong on municipal property, the city says, and that includes toilet paper with pictures of President Obama's face on it.

The toilet tissue was found last week at Pompano Beach Fire Station 103, 3500 NE 16th Terrace, south of Sample Road in the Cresthaven section of the city.

Another complaint about a bumper sticker that criticized the president was made to city officials in November 2011.

It was affixed to a male firefighter's locker at the same firehouse, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue spokeswoman Sandra King said.

"The individual was ordered to take it down, and he said he understood it was a poor choice," King said. "To put it on city property is inappropriate."

After the city was made aware of the toilet paper printed with Obama's image, "the administration launched an investigation immediately," King said.

By email, she added that the tissue incident "is being fully investigated as a 'politically motivated, conduct unbecoming situation,' and will continue to be considered accordingly unless the investigation reveals other motivations. Such a finding would obviously turn the investigation in another direction."

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