Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
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.
