Christmas billboard results in one-third of Ohio department’s firefighters disciplined

Almost one-third of the Lancaster (Ohio) Fire Department has been disciplined for taking part in a “Merry Christmas” billboard message. Seventeen firefighters belonging to one shift, known as Crew 3 or Super Crew 3, have received punishments ranging from reprimands for the firefighters and suspensions and probationary periods for three lieutenants and a captain. In addition, a retired captain has been barred from all fire stations in Lancaster.

The billboard was paid for by the firefighters, who decided that they would show “crew pride” instead of exchanging gifts. The billboard was in place from November 30 to December 15 when it was ordered removed. A city attorney determined it presented a civil liability because the “Merry Christmas” message expressed religious favoritism. Those involved are also in trouble for failing to get permission to take the picture at a Lancaster firehouse while they were on duty.

The retired captain is Tom Dempsey. He was invited to take part in the picture with the rest of Crew 3. Dempsey told Spencer Remoquillo of the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette that he believes a rough history with Fire Chief Dave Ward is behind the disciplinary action. At the bottom of this story are some Facebook posts from Tom Dempsey.

Spencer Remoquillo, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette:

City officials’ and Ward’s reaction to the billboard, Dempsey said, was directly related to his and Crew 3’s personality conflicts with Ward, not the rules they claim were broken. However, one firefighter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the possibility of further punishment for discussing the billboard, said most of the firefighters admit they broke the city’s rules when they failed to ask for permission in the first place.

On Thursday, Ward denied the discipline was handed down because he felt undermined by the sign. Instead, he said the sign was clearly in violation of the department’s policies and procedures. Ward did say he has “had issues” with Crew 3 in the past because of changes he has made since he became fire chief four years ago.

Ward said he would rather have a united front, than appear divided into three crews. Some Crew 3 members, Ward said, have had trouble adopting cultural changes he has implemented, but he would not say specifically what changes he has made except that they are rules and code of conduct changes affecting fire stations across the U.S.

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