Florida Sheriff Bans Deputies From Wearing Masks: ‘My Orders Will Be Followed’

Even as medical experts and the CDC continue to stress for people to wear masks in public, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has explicitly banned his deputies from wearing a face mask to work. The new order, enacted on August 11, also applies to visitors who are similarly prohibited from wearing a face-covering when visiting the sheriff’s office.

"My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn," Wood wrote in an email to his department.

“We can debate and argue all day of why and why not," he added. "The fact is, the amount of professionals that give the reason why we should, I can find the exact same amount of professionals that say why we shouldn’t. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the operation of this office has not changed and no wearing of masks has been put in place."

He further added that his decision is not up for debate or further “discussion” and even as the pandemic keeps altering the way the world has functioned to date, “my orders will be followed or my actions will be swift to address."

According to his orders, only those officers are allowed to wear masks who are working at the courthouse, in hospitals, the jail, in public schools, and while interacting with suspected or possible COVID-19 patients. As for officers assigned to a special detail or event, they are still banned from wearing a mask unless it falls under any of the above-mentioned categories.

“As for special details and/or any special events (paid or not), masks will not be worn. Effective immediately the entity that has requested and has hired a deputy for a special detail will be given clear instruction by Darian Tucker at the time of their written request that masks will not be worn (unless one of the exceptions above applies). In addition, if you are the special detail deputy you will again advise the contact person that a mask will not be worn by you,” Woods wrote.

And if anyone tries to school the officers on why they are not wearing a mask, Woods assured that tackling that person is his responsibility. "Politely and professionally tell them I am not required to wear a mask nor will I, per the Order of the Sheriff," he wrote. "From that point on it will be my burden and responsibility to take care of the person and answer their problem, complaint or their question."