tattoos

[aaron2792]

I am going to school starting in august for fire and rescue science...But i was wonder if any fire dept. has any rules against visable tattoos...for example on arms and legs...i know its a crazy question but i dont want to do anything to stop me from becoming a firefighter..thank you for your time.

[firecadetak]

At my department, we have the grandma rule, which means don't have or show anything that a grandma would disapprove of. I have a large colorful tatoo on my bicep, but as long as my uniform shirt covers it up, there is no problems. If my uniform will not cover it up, I will have to make sure to wear a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt to cover it while on duty

[gordoffemt]

Sounds to me that by asking this question, you have also answered it. If you think that a visible tattoo may keep you from getting a fire dept. job, don't get one. Personally, I have 2. One is fire related, both are out of sight if I want them to be.

Get your training, get a job, find out the rules regarding tattoos, and go from there.

In the meantime, check out http://www.strikethebox.com . There are some great firefighter's tattoos there. Mine is in the bulldog section. Look for the one from Doug in Greendale, IN.

Good luck with your schooling!

[raven911]

It's never been a problem for me. I have quite a few of them, as do many of the guys I work with.

[Vollie4life]

There is no rule against tattoos in either of the departments I volunteer with. Only one of my tattoos is visible with short sleeves...it is also the considered the most offensive to a portion of society. So most of the time, I try to wear long sleeve uniform shirts.

Oh yea, the tat is of a Confederate soldier holding the confederate naval jack.....or as most people say, the rebel flag.

[raven911]

I covered my naked woman with a half sleeve green dragon. I like it, don't know if anyone else does or not. Nobody says anything about it. The dragon is easier to explain than the bare-breasted rocker girl holding a pistol.

You know what they say... "if it's not tattooed, it's not worth a s&*#!

[ff7134]

Our rule is as long as it is not offensive in nature they can
be visible(but the Chief still doesn't like it but he can't change the rule without a note from god)ie: naked women,drugs, racially motivated, things that would Pi** off politically correct people.
I have a maltese cross with St Florian in the middle on my left forearm and nothing is said. And I wear short sleeves in the summer.

JV

[itattoo]

I belong to a department that has NO regulations on tattoos. Myself i have full sleeves, hands, and neck tattooed and no one says a word. All you have to do is call and ask anyone in whatever department you want to apply to.

[Sgnl50]

I'm career as well as volunteer with full sleeves. No one seems to care. However when I went for my interviews I wore long sleeves

Stay Well, Stay Safe
Matt

[ndvfdff33]

Most depts probably won't have an issue as long as the visible ones aren't too offensive too people. If You got f**k you tattooed on your hand then they may have a problem with that

[someguythatisonheretowastetime]

I've noticed in California that they do not like visible tattoo's ie visible with short sleves on, I would hold off on getting any work on your arm until you get hired and check the dept. policy. On a further note I am in the Marines and they just banned tattoo's that are visible in pt gear (t-shirts and shorts) punishable by up to 2 years in the brig.