Duty Shirts

[clark918]

Is there a reason that some guys wear button up shirts and some a t-shirt? Or is it just personal preference or dept. policy? I'm POC, but at a full-time dept, and I never see anyone other than the officers with button down shirts. I was also only given t-shirts. However, at other places I sometimes see a few guys in button down while others are in t-shirts. Kind of a stupid question, but I was just curious.

[DFurtman]

Is there a reason that some guys wear button up shirts and some a t-shirt? Or is it just personal preference or dept. policy? I'm POC, but at a full-time dept, and I never see anyone other than the officers with button down shirts. I was also only given t-shirts. However, at other places I sometimes see a few guys in button down while others are in t-shirts. Kind of a stupid question, but I was just curious.

It all depends on your departments policy.

-Damien

[fireslayer1237]

in my dept everyone tends to wear t-shirts unless we go out into the public for anything other than calls.

[the1141man]

in my dept everyone tends to wear t-shirts unless we go out into the public for anything other than calls.

Same here: t-shirt and pants are acceptable during duty hours (0800-1700) if you're in quarters or going to/from a call. After hours, shorts or sweats are permitted depending upon weather. Any time you're going to have "official" public contact--whether in quarters or not (fire safety education, scheduled tours, pre-plans/company inspections), you're to be in Class Bs (button-down collared uniform shirt and pants).
While short stops are permitted returning from calls in t-shirt and pants (stop at the convenience store for a snack on the way back to quarters, for example), if you're going "out in public" and not to/from a call, you're supposed to be in Bs.

During the winter time, "FF Workshirts" are permitted in place of the button-down uniform shirt.

Volunteers in my dept may wear blue jeans and company t-shirt, but if they're going to be working events with the paid staff, the preference is for them to be in Bs also for uniformity (though cotton--Nomex uniforms are too expensive).

[JHR1985]

my personal opinon is that on calls... we should be allowed to wear whatever the hell we want. People who dial 911 shouldnt be complaining about what we are wearing.

Now, inspections grocery stores, thats a different story.

But, you call 911, dont get mad if I show up in shorts and a T-shirt if it warrants it.

[callaway75]

Same as the1141man, except we can wear shorts during summer. Officer's normally will wear the full uniform for the entire shift.

[clark918]

For us we wore tshirts even during the calls. EMS calls we throw a smock over it that looks similar to the button down shirt except with a zipper.

[fireslayer1237]

what kind of shorts do you guy's wear. We used to have a Federal dept. that showed up on EMS calls sometimes with workout shorts on and a pair of duty boots with their t-shirts. i thought it looked pretty un profesional. atleast put on your feakin bunker pants if your to lazy for a uniform and your one call a week you get.

[GTRider245]

what kind of shorts do you guy's wear. We used to have a Federal dept. that showed up on EMS calls sometimes with workout shorts on and a pair of duty boots with their t-shirts. i thought it looked pretty un profesional. atleast put on your feakin bunker pants if your to lazy for a uniform and your one call a week you get.

We can wear shorts in the summer time. They are cargo type, same as our pants just cutoff at the knee. Elbeco makes them.

[HowBoutDat]

For every person in every Department that replies here you're gonna get a different answer. You'd probably be best off asking someone in YOUR Department who has a little more time on than you. They're your best source of information on what to do/how to act. I can tell you what MY Department does, but that doesn't help you at all...

As a general rule, though, as a new member of any Department, I'd say try NOT to stick out when it comes to appearance... Look professional and follow what everyone else does.

___
Keep in mind my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it :-)

[Hydrant22]

my personal opinon is that on calls... we should be allowed to wear whatever the hell we want. People who dial 911 shouldnt be complaining about what we are wearing.

Now, inspections grocery stores, thats a different story.

But, you call 911, dont get mad if I show up in shorts and a T-shirt if it warrants it.


I'll agree with you on the idea that with inspections (and not just inspecting grocery stores...if thats what you meant..) its a good idea to wear the B's.

Im a little put off however with your 'take it or leave it' attitude. You have got to remember that we are here for the people. If you feel that you cant wear your normal uniform, then atleast throw on your bunker pants. This career is about being a professional. Someone is having possibly the worst day of their life...its so bad that they call 911...and you show up with this 'you want my help or not' mentality and it makes us all look bad. You ever notice that everyone seems to know a firefighter? Those of us on the west coast dont want to be hearing about people on the east making us look bad and vice versa. Whether we are two cities next to eachother or 5 states away, our actions represent all of those that chose this profession. I cant help but push myself and those around us to be the best we can, provide the best service possible and most importantly, try to uphold the image and reputation that those before us have built.

Not trying to belittle you, or attack you, it just hurts to see someone that doesnt feel they need to give 100% and then some when the bell sounds. Take pride in your work, love what you do, and never forget what you are doing out there...serving the community.

And if its a matter of 'well its too hot out, I dont want to wear pants'...then maybe you should be looking for a different job if you cant take the heat. ;)