Maywood Fire Department at odds over decals on lockers, helmets
MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- The Maywood fire chief is at odds with some firefighters after ordering the removal of decals from helmets and lockers.
"That actually is hurtful and disrespectful, the way that this thing turned out," Maywood Firefighter David Flowers, Jr., said. Flowers is one of four firefighters sent home Tuesday after they disobeyed an order by the fire chief to take down all stickers and decals from their lockers and helmets.
One of the decals was that of an American flag. Firefighters said the decal went up after a new flag was purchased to replace an old, tattered one in the firehouse.
"There was never an issue of disposing the flag," Fire Chief Craig Bronaugh said.
The chief says the issue goes back several months and involves a picture of a monkey smoking a cigarette, which generated complaints as being racist. He said that to maintain order and uniformity he ordered all decals be removed.
"The answer is not to be defiant, disrespectful and insubordinate. In this case, that is what happened," Bronaugh said.
On Wednesday, the chief said department-issued flag decals are allowed on lockers, but says further discussions with the firefighters are needed to lay the ground rules.
Both sides agree that better communication could have prevented the controversy.
"By no means does this hinder our ability to do our job. We have a lot of pride in our job and will be just as effective as we always were," Firefighter Dan McDowell said.
The union representing firefighters filed a grievances with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, accusing the chief and Maywood of a hostile work environment. Chief Bronaugh said he's confident the relationship can be prepared.
