Read a thoughtful analysis by FireRescue1 and Fire Chief Editorial Advisory Board member Linda Willing that looks at the pregnancy paradox in firefighting.
By FireRescue1 Staff
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A pregnant firefighter received light duty after a doctor ordered it due to a pre-term labor scare.
WPTV reported that firefighter Nicole Morris, who is 33 weeks pregnant, was given light duty after requesting the assignment from Fire Chief John King for months when she started going into pre-term labor at just 31 weeks.
Originally, Morris was asking to max out her shift exchanges instead of taking on light duty, with the idea that she would work for firefighters early in her pregnancy and they would cover for her after she gives birth.
King only approved nine of 12 shift exchanges, so Morris and the fire union president went to county commissioners, who did not grant Morris light duty.
It wasn’t until two weeks after Morris’ doctor wrote the letter that she was notified that she was given light duty. She was not working for those two weeks and using her sick days to stay at home as the doctor ordered.
The incoming fire chief, Tad Stone, pushed for Morris’ light duty assignment, according to firefighters.
Indian River County is one of only two counties in Florida that does not have a light duty option in place for pregnant firefighters.