Jacksonville firefighters told to lose their beard

Author: AP
Published:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A new city mandate requiring Jacksonville firefighters to be clean shaven is drawing criticism.

Those who don’t comply were told this week they would be placed on a temporary, limited duty, non-firefighting role.

City spokeswoman Tia Ford said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration prohibits firefighters from having hair that could come between the face and the breathing apparatus, potentially putting the firefighter at risk.

Ivan Mote, vice president of the Jacksonville Brotherhood of Firefighters, told The Florida Times-Union some had shaved and a few will be on administrative duty next week.

According to a memo from attorneys, Fire Chief Kurtis Wilson said he didn’t know of any other fire department in the state that had not adopted a strict no-beard rule.

Fire departments around the country have moved to bar or restrict facial hair.

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