Jacksonville Captain Charged with Posting Slavery Oriented Sign

A Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department captain has been charged with conduct unbecoming and misuse of a city computer after he posted signs saying “Welcome to the Plantation” at the fire department’s administrative offices. Captain Alvin Floyd acknowledged creating and posting the signs. He is African-American.

The signs were found on September 3, 2012, at the fire prevention office which is on the second floor of the fire department’s headquarters. Once an investigation was launched, the evidence showed that the signs were made using Captain Floyd’s computer.  When questioned Captain Floyd, a 20 year veteran, acknowledged that he had put up the signs, apologized for his action, and said he posted the signs out of frustration.

The incident comes five months after the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Jacksonville Fire Rescue alleging a pattern of race discrimination in promotions against African-Americans. Captain Floyd allegedly made four signs and put up three of them. The investigation continues and the fire department is yet to take disciplinary action against Floyd.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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