D.C. fire not likely to discipline those who appeared in uniform with Obama

By Matthew Larotonda
ABC News

Photo: The White House

WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services says there are no plans to punish first responders for their participation in an economic speech by President Obama, but are still reviewing the event.

Earlier this week, Obama surrounded himself with police and other first responders during remarks regarding the real world impact of the across-the-board package of federal spending cuts known as sequestration, looming in March should Congress fail to reach a deficit reduction agreement. But Washington’s fire and EMS chief told a local TV station the appearance of three firefighters at the event may have violated department regulations.

“I didn’t know about it, the deputy mayor didn’t know about it, the mayor didn’t know about it,” Chief Kenneth Ellerbe said. “There should be protocol followed anytime one of our employees representing the District of Columbia appears at a public event.”

Full story: DC government 'reviewing' firefighters appearance with Obama