A federal labor arbitrator has ruled that the City of Jacksonville improperly punished a district chief with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and that the Mayor’s office – influenced by negative publicity – became deeply involved in discipline discussions.
The decision stems from a February 2025 incident at Fire Station 28 involving District Chief Byron Iveson and a probationary firefighter who had chosen to fast during the day while preparing for Ramadan.
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Action News Jax first reported on the incident in April, after obtaining an internal document that alleged Iveson yelled at the firefighter and threatened to cut his hours and pay if he did not comply with orders to eat.
Based on the city’s investigation, Iveson received a two-month unpaid suspension, was removed from his district chief assignment, reassigned to a 40-hour administrative schedule, and required to complete comprehensive training…