JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Photoshopped picture found on a computer at a fire station stirred controversy after a firefighter was made to look like a terrorist.
First Coast News reported that the Jacksonville (Fla.) Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Sheriff’s Office, are now investigating the incident. The image appears to be a Middle Eastern man’s body with a caption saying, “Jingle Bombs.”
The firefighter, who has an Arabic-sounding name, said the image did not offend him and he thought it was a joke, according to the report.
“That probably was not an appropriate thing to put on the computer, but I don’t think it was done with any hate or malice and the firefighter does not believe that,” said Union President Randy Wyse. “Our workplace is really different in how we really live with each other for 24 hours a day, so it becomes a little more relaxed and obviously some of those things need to be tightened up.”
However, Chief Terrance Jones was offended.
“I was offended that you would do that in this particular climate. We have a climate of terrorists, it’s high alert,” he said.
Over the years, there have been other claims of discrimination at the department.
In 2006, two black firefighters found a noose hanging in their lockers. In 2012, the Jax Brotherhood, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, sued the department and the city for discrimination when it comes to hiring and promoting minorities.
Last year, the fire marshal was suspended for using the N-word in a meeting.
“We have a policy and if you don’t enforce it, you are communicating that I can do what I want to do and nothing will happen,” Chief Jones said. “I wish it didn’t happen, I am pretty sure the person who did it, probably wishes he or she didn’t do it.”