I know this has already been covered on firecareers.com and probably on here. But what is everyones thought about tattoos. I have a full sleeve on my left arm(I Practice Buddhism and have buddhist themes tattooed on me) and am very interested and focused on becoming a EMT/Firefighter. From your standpoints what is the policy of tattoos and or what do you think about them!
I've got used to wearing long sleeves in the summer.Having tattoos is getting more and more acceptance now that the punch holes in my face thing has come around.I'm sure you'll still find some that will object,but as long as they are not rude or pornographic you should be ok.I know a bunch of folks that have'em,it don't seem to affect the ability to do the job.If you are already sleeved the hurdle you're facing is finding a dept.thats policy will accept you,some are still a lil bit old fashoned about such things.Large cities will likely be more forgiving than small towns,its a culture thing.
the tattoos i have are in places that you won't see unless i want you to (lower back left hip, right shoulderblade, ankle) i know people though that have sleeves or half sleeves and they cover them by wearing an arm sleeve/brace.
Permalink Reply by T.j. on August 30, 2007 at 5:18pm
As long as they are not anything that is considered inappropriate I do not see them being a problem. At my old station we had many members who had half sleeves and it was alright there. Even most of the older members are coming around and not saying anything about them
This seems to be a non-issue in my dept. It stays warm enough to wear short-sleeved shirts 9 months out of the year and we have many ffs that have tattoos on their forearms and nothing is said by the white shirts or the public. It seems to be acceptable culture nowadays. I have 4. 2 on each arm, but all above the elbows.
I don't really see a problem as long as they're not inappropriate. However, I can say that in my business, I would prefer an employee not have a large one visible, though I don't think I'd turn away a good worker over it.
On a personal level, small ones don't bother me, but I don't really care for large ones. But, again, I wouldn't turn away a friend because of it.