Drawing a cartoon mustache on someone’s picture has always been a basic way of poking fun at them, but a recent incident at a D.C. firehouse showed that someone doesn’t seem to have a sense of humor.

NBC4 reports that senior D.C. Fire & EMS officials were apparently upset when someone in Engine 10 on Florida Avenue NE drew a cartoon mustache on the official portrait of D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe and then turned the portrait upside down:

A deputy chief and a lieutenant dressed down the company, demanding respect for the chief and threatening criminal charges.

“You don’t want to be in here in this agency or under the direction of the fire chief, there’s nothing holding you back,” an official can be heard saying on a recording obtained by News4. “But as long as he’s the fire chief, we all have to respect him.”

“The reason I asked who handled the pictures is because there are going to be some charge,” that official said. “At that point, whatever the fire chief decides to do, because at that point, you’re at his mercy.”

Police were called, and a formal crime report was filed. Evidence technicians apparently dusted the photo frame for fingerprints.

Ironically, Ellerbe used to have a real mustache. When asked about the incident, Ellerbe brushed it off, saying that he wouldn’t be pursuing the matter.

Relations between many rank-and-file firefighters and Ellerbe have been frosty in recent years. Firefighters were angered by a move to change the agency’s name and logo from D.C. Fire Department to FEMS, and have expressed opposition to Ellerbe’s plan to change the hours and shifts that firefighters work. In January, a group of firefighters turned their backs on Ellerbe as he gave a speech on the state of the agency.