Firefighter, county end dispute over shirt policy

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - At the Orange County Fire Department, fire fighters wear short-sleeved shirts everyday. But according to the President of the Fire Fighters Union, George Romano, for one firefighter, it became a health issue.

"Firefighter Ziolonka has some skin issues, skin cancer.  Obviously, out in the State of Florida, we're out in the sun all the time."

Firefighter Mike Ziolonka had been wearing a long-sleeved shirt periodically, but when he made an official request to wear one daily, the notion quickly went up in flames.

"He had a doctor's note that it was a necessity, or a strong recommendation, that he wear those shirts and was turned down by Orange County."

Ziolonka dropped a grievance on Friday, after the county allowed him to wear the long sleeves. However the Union Chief says, its more than Ziolonka whos affected. "It's ridiculous. But it's bigger than Firefighter Zelonka; it's about the entire 1,100 people who work for Orange County Rescue."

Assistant Chief Vince Preston says managers have been working to find a solution to Ziolonka's request since day one.

"It's about uniformity, it's about safety, its' about that particular solution being the right solution." And while the county continues to find a solution, Romano worries for the health and safety of his own fire fighters.

"If they're not gonna take care of the firemen who are here, who's going to take care of the citizens? It's about all the men and woman doing this everyday."

Firefighters from both sides will schedule a meeting and figure out what happens next.