City manager reverses order given by fire chief on wedding invitation picture

It took two Garfield, New Jersey volunteer firefighters going around their chief and directly to the mayor and city council, but they got what they were after. Garfield Fire Company 1 members Paul Mellor, and Danielle Szep said they were ordered by Chief James Kovacs Sr. to take down the image (below) from their Facebook page that had been used as part of their wedding invitation. The two firefighters, who met as volunteers with the fire company, were told using the image was a violation of a new social media policy. Szep says she was threatened with suspension.

Paul Mellor took their case against the chief’s order to a city council meeting. Yesterday (Monday), they were told the good news by the city manager. (Thanks to Randy Yardumian for sending this to STATter911.com.)

Toniann Antonelli, NJ101.5 Radio:

Monday morning, however, City Manager Thomas Duch told NJ 101.5 that the couple has now been informed that using the picture is permissible.

Duch said his initial concern had to do with volunteers using pictures of people grieving and in pain because of a fire. Duch told NJ 101.5 that he encourages his fire chiefs to allow photos such as the one Mellor and Szep posted, in order to promote the department in a positive light.

Mellor said he was happy about the city manager’s decision.

“I’m glad that there was a solution to the problem and not only for me but for all other members of the department too that don’t have to be afraid to post positive pictures on social media,” Mellor told NJ 101.5 on Monday.