NEWTON, Mass. — A Newton firefighter and Iraq war veteran has been told that his signature red, white and blue helmet doesn’t conform to department standards.
Richard Busa says he painted his black fire helmet about three years ago as a show of patriotism.
Newton Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix says while department policy allows small decorations on helmets, Busa’s display goes too far and he’s ordered the firefighter to stop wearing it.
LaCroix, a Vietnam War veteran, told The Boston Globe the decision had nothing to do with the American flag but with the need to maintain the department’s uniform standards and appearance of professionalism.
Busa said the chief may be using the helmet flap to divert attention from other serious issues in the department, such as aging equipment.