SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Organizers of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade say they've banned a firefighters' group from participating.

Parade Committee General Chairman Brendan Sheehan says the group -- Our Nation's Firefighters --- was denied permission to march because of alcohol-related issues in the past.

The unit is organized under nonprofit Savannah Friends of Firefighters, and typically includes firefighters from New York City and other cities who march in Savannah's parade.

A leader of the Savannah nonprofit tells the Savannah Morning News (http://bit.ly/14odJA1) that he was caught off guard by the decision.

James Grismer, head of Savannah Friends of Firefighters, said he felt like other groups drink before marching, and that he wasn't aware of any members of his unit drinking while in the parade line recently.

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