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Mich. EMT says she was fired because of her colorful hair

Trisha Johnson worked for Osceola County EMS for four years

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By Leila Merrill

REED CITY, Mich. — EMT Trisha Johnson said Osceola County EMS fired her Monday because of her hair, 9&10 News reported.

Johnson was surprised because she had colorful hair when she was hired four years ago, as she does now. She said she changes it every six weeks.

“I was in complete shock. I didn’t see it coming at all, especially to hear that I broke a policy about being professional,” said Johnson. “Every day, I put my uniform on. I strive to take care of my patients and have the best patient care.”

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She said two county board members complained about her hair color, saying it was “in violation of professional policy.”

In a statement, the County Coordinator Tim Ladd said, “Her statements on social media are not factual as it relates to her separation of employment with the county of Osceola.”

Ladd told two reporters that he could not say why Johnson was fired. The two commissioners would not comment.

“The board is letting a lot of the people go. It scares me for the community because we were going to hit a point to a critical staff shortages where we’re almost there,” said Johnson.