Chief Bud Backer with East Pierce Fire and Rescue has sent out a warning to make sure consumers are not confused by some recent door knockers. He says the solicitors might look like East Pierce Firefighters, but they are not.
“We wanted to get the word out that ‘no, it is not us.’ We don't know who these people are," said Chief Backer.
On the department’s Facebook page it lets readers know that the door-to-door solicitors, dressed in generic fire department shirts, are asking to enter your home to conduct a safety inspection.
"We found out this morning that potentially, it is actually a business that's operated by firefighters from another fire department outside of our area," said Chief Backer.
He says the company, working with off duty firefighters, is using a sales strategy he finds problematic.
"They use a business model where they wear a uniform that looks like a fire department uniform, so we don't condone that kind of activity. And really don't think it is very ethical either that they appear to be firefighters when they are out doing this business," said Chief Backer.
He wants to make it clear East Pierce Fire and Rescue are in no way associated with the business.