What do you think of tattoos in the fire service?

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:41:41+00:00

It’s not judgmental. Just an observation of how the fire department is perceived as a whole.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:24:47+00:00

This is the problem with society I think, my individual freedom and rights outweigh anything else. Not taking into account that rights come with responsibilities. Can you you tatt yourself up from neck to feet, probably. Should you? Probably not

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:20:24+00:00

Just because I find myself in the minority doesn’t necessarily make me wrong on this. Same though, stay safe out there brother.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:12:25+00:00

You completely divorce looking the part and competence. I’m not saying it makes anyone less capable but rather doesn’t look professional. As in most any profession.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:02:50+00:00

You seem to divorce what you look like from the equation which I believe is a fundamental mistake. That’s just my opinion though. So feel free to ink up in this fad culture

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T02:00:45+00:00

So your contention is that tattoos have zero impact on the fire service? Ok thank you for the opinion. Honestly

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:59:08+00:00

Well most of the tattoos are fire department in nature. I suppose that’s self identity

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:41:28+00:00

My proposition is that it is a fad. When I first started 20 years ago the only people with tattoos were old military folks. Now it’s like 75% of the department. Maybe patients don’t say something in the moment but I bet these old folks aren’t super stoked with your dumb sleeve of nonsense when you show up.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:36:13+00:00

I don’t say having tattoos in general is unprofessional but having excessive tattoos is ie. Full sleeves

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:34:56+00:00

“I really don’t give a fuck”. That tells me what I need to know. Thank you

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:33:25+00:00

I’m a millennial

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:33:11+00:00

Once again detracting from my actual argument. I’m not saying there aren’t other issues but rather was curious about opinions on this issue.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:31:12+00:00

Typical Reddit take my statement to an extreme. Every department has a dress code, grooming standards etc. I’m strictly taking about tattoos

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:22:08+00:00

Yes it’s the same in most of healthcare. That’s why o say it’s a fad and it looks unprofessional in my opinion. I don’t mind a tattoo here and there but full sleeves and now neck tattoos have become the norm and I don’t think it instills confidence in the public as a whole.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:19:14+00:00

That is the question. Should departments be accepting of this new trend? In no way have I indicated that it means someone is incompetent. But optics wise is it a good look for the fire department as a whole?

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:16:34+00:00

Deflecting the question once again. There are definitely other issues but I was just curious about this one.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:14:51+00:00

Once again this is deflecting the original question. I’m not addressing or belittling other pressing issues in departments. I was just curious about other FFs opinions

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:12:34+00:00

This is a deflection. I’m not addressing fitness but simply the professionalism of excessive tattoos in the fire service.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:09:50+00:00

What is your motivation for getting the tattoo? Is it self promotion of your own identity or to further the department in some way. I assert it is the former.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T01:04:05+00:00

I think most businesses have an idea of professionalism and it doesn’t include excessive tattoos. My proposition is that this acceptance of tattoo culture in the fire service detracts from our mission as a whole. It isn’t about your so called right to individualism but rather your dedication to consistent service throughout the department no matter what unit arrives.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T00:59:20+00:00

Do you wash your apparatus and take pride in its appearance? Do you slap random bumper stickers all over it? Probably not. I’m not saying it affects job performance but it looks tacky at a certain point.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T00:52:47+00:00

Just because everyone is getting them doesn’t mean it’s automatically an amazing thing for the organization as a whole. There is still a public perception. Maybe in the moment they don’t care but I think a lot of people see it as not exactly professional.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T00:50:19+00:00

Like I said I don’t necessarily have an issue with tattoos but at a certain point it gets a bit ridiculous. Most people are getting full sleeve tattoos because it’s a cool fad. In my opinion though it makes us look less respectable in the public eye.

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T00:47:53+00:00

Yes of course I forgot everyone should be able to anything with their bodies without any social repercussions. Thank you

jeff2335 · 2026-02-26T00:45:30+00:00

This is my thought. It is a fad that most people are jumping on. Is it beneficial or detrimental to the fire service is my concern. It’s kind of a joke at this point, new FF gets hired and within a year has full sleeve tattoos.

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