A group of Washington, D.C. firefighters, who were photographed with President Barack Obama on Tuesday, now find themselves on the hot seat, according to published reports.
The firefighters participated in a news conference that was intended to show the impact the sequester could have on emergency responders,
reported CNN. As a result, they are now the subject of an internal investigation by the fire department.
"I am proud of our members. They represent our city and our country and they shouldn't be under fire," said Ed Smith, president of DC Fire Fighters Association Local 36.
He said that firefighters routinely receive requests to appear at White House events and it has “never been a problem,” he told CNN. “It leads us to question the chief’s motives.”
DC Fire & EMS Chief Kenneth Ellerbe released a statement to CNN in which he pointed the finger at a deputy mayor.
"At the request of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, DC FEMS is simply reviewing its internal protocols for such appearances to ensure that both the Department and its employees are fully informed,” the statement said.
"The DC Fire and EMS Department is not considering any disciplinary action against uniformed personnel for appearing alongside President Obama," Ellerbe added.
Ellerbe went on to say that he supported the efforts of the president.
"We fully support the efforts of the president to highlight the essential and life-saving work that our first-responders do every single day, and welcome his invitation for our members to participate,” he explained. “We're exceedingly proud of the men and women that wear the DC FEMS uniform, and thank the president for his support."
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