Fire tattoos? What's the problem, says Janice Hahn

Councilwoman Janice Hahn has sent a letter to Los Angeles Fire Chief Douglas Barry asking him to reconsider the department's ban on visible tattoos.

The policy, enacted May 1, has frustrated some firefighters (like John O'Connor, pictured above) who wonder why they need to cover tattoos while working or sleeping in the fire house. LAFD officials have said their policy is aimed at maintaining a professional appearance both inside and outside the fire station.

But, Hahn sided with the inked-up firefighters.

"I, for one, do not care if a firefighter that is saving lives has visible tattoos. All that matters is that these men and women are trained well and prepared to do their jobs," Hahn wrote. "Requiring all tattoos to be covered at all times, including while firefighters are on their way to and from showers, just seems needless to me. As we enter the summer months, this seems almost cruel."