LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Union officials are defending a fire department over a controversial picture with his wife breastfeeding their infant son in his turnout gear.
Las Cruces Sun-News reported that the support came a day after the controversy surrounding the photo made national news. The Las Cruces Professional Fire Fighters Association defended the department, saying the agency is not against breastfeeding.
Last week, firefighter Mike Lopez was said to be under investigation for an undisclosed personnel matter related to the photo. On Wednesday, the union acknowledged that Lopez had been disciplined.
“Mr. Lopez is not facing termination or suspension and his discipline is currently in the grievance process,” union officials said. “We want to be clear that the content of the photo is not the reason for the disciplinary action.”
The union further suggested that the investigation was related to a policy regarding the use of the Las Cruces Fire Department brand, according to the report. A city spokesman said the department’s policy on uniforms does not address spouses or state if a spouse is allowed to wear a uniform.
“Depending on the specifics of a situation, it may or may not be a violation of city policy,” city spokesman Udell Vigil said.
Tara Ruby, the professional photographer who took the photo, said she’s against any disciplinary action against Lopez. Ruby also said the controversy is overshadowing the picture’s message of normalizing breastfeeding.