There is no definitive answer to this question since drug testing policies vary from one fire department to the next. So, do firefighters get drug tested? The short answer is yes in most jurisdictions.
Firefighters are subject to the same pre-employment drug testing as other applicants for public positions. In addition, most departments require firefighters to submit to random drug tests during their careers.
Why perform drug testing at all?
These tests aim to ensure firefighters are fit for work and can perform their tasks safely. The reasoning is that drugs can impair judgment and coordination. Thus, making it dangerous for firefighters to be on the field while under the influence.
Therefore, department law prevents potentially impaired firefighters from endangering themselves and others.
Do firefighters get drug tested?
Maintaining a drug-free workplace is part of keeping the high standards and professionalism expected of firefighters. Firefighters may be subject to drug testing both before and after employment for this reason.
The profession is classified to be in a safety-sensitive field. Therefore, courts have determined that it is legal for employers to test firefighters for drugs randomly.
Firefighters are considered federal-type employees. In such cases, your employer has to comply with Federal and State laws and regulations.
What types of drugs do they test?
The types of drugs tested can vary. However, they may include illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs that could impair job performance.
Getting drug testing can be an inconvenience. Some individuals have tried to challenge the testing based on privacy concerns. However, the courts have sided with the fire departments.
Remember that it is a way to help ensure the public and your fellow teammates that you are at your best.
What tests does the fire department use?
The most common type of drug test for firefighters is the urine drug screen, which can detect the presence of marijuana, cocaine, and opiates. In addition, a urine test can accurately determine recent drug use.
Another common way is testing your hair follicles. This testing is preferred since there is no way to cheat on a hair follicle test. Unfortunately, fire departments don’t use this testing regularly because it is expensive.
However, It can detect most drugs consumed in the last 90 days.
Note that most drugs take several days to process in your body. These substances leave traces behind in your blood and urine. Therefore, for most substances, you are likely to test positive on a drug test if taken less than 24 hours after your last dose.
How often is drug testing expected for a firefighter?
Most firehouses conduct random drug testing on their force. The testing is done every four to six weeks, on average. However, they won’t test everyone at the same time. At the very least, you’ll have to pass an annual or semi-annual drug check.
However, your fire chief may ask for a “surprise” test if there’s a reasonable suspicion of drug use. The fire chief or lieutenant will target those he suspects of using drugs.
In addition, most firefighters undergo drug testing before a promotion or transfer to another station.
Another familiar moment to get an exam is after an accident. It could serve as a legal precedent if something went wrong during an emergency.
You won’t have a test when you apply to become a new firefighter. However, they’ll test you before you join. Testing is mandatory for most States and jurisdictions before they can hire you.
Finally, a less common moment is when doing a back-to-work drug test. This testing occurs for someone suspended from using drugs who wants to return to the service. If readmitted, you’ll have to participate in all future testing to ensure you stay clean.
Can firefighters smoke weed?
Studies have shown that up to 80% of firefighters smoke tobacco. But what about other substances? Can firefighters smoke weed?
The short answer is no. Firefighters are subject to a higher standard than the public regarding drug use. Therefore, they must keep their drug test clean. Failing a drug test can lead to disciplinary action, including termination.
So, while firefighters may be some of the heaviest smokers around, they must stick to tobacco if they want to keep their jobs.
What about the beneficial aspects of marijuana?
There is growing evidence that marijuana may benefit firefighters, especially for managing stress and pain.
Several studies have shown that marijuana can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. These are essential for firefighters who work long hours and must deal with stress.
Additionally, marijuana is an effective pain reliever. It can be helpful for firefighters who meet hazardous materials and experience ongoing pain from previous injuries.
There is a promise for this natural cure to enhance the health and safety of individuals who devote their lives to defending others. However, it requires further research to determine whether marijuana has any advantages for firefighters.
Furthermore, it’s a known fact that marijuana makes people slower. So your reaction time won’t be the same if you are in a drugged state versus being fully alert.
Using drugs while on duty
People expect firefighters to be brave, selfless, and ready to put their lives on the line to protect others. However, there is another important quality that firefighters must possess: sobriety.
While working, firefighters may not consume drugs or alcohol. In addition, the fire chief won’t allow any liquor in or near his firehouse. Any member caught violating this rule can result in a temporary suspension or termination for repeat offenses.
Firefighting is dangerous, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of injury or death. Since firefighter safety is paramount, they must function at peak levels to do their jobs effectively.
Unfortunately, not all firefighters adhere to this rule. In recent years, there have been cases in which firefighters get caught using drugs while on duty.
This behavior has led to tragic consequences. In others, it damaged the reputation of the fire service. Either way, firefighters who use drugs, especially while working, end up risking themselves and others.
Why do some firefighters resort to drugs?
There are a few factors that contribute to this problem.
First, the job’s demands are incredibly high, both physically and emotionally. Attending medical and fire emergencies can put them face to face with horrors that are hard to manage or forget.
Second, many firefighters have easy access to drugs through personal use or contact with others.
Finally, some firefighters may turn to drugs to cope with the stress of their job. It is well-known that firefighters work long hours and must deal with high-stress situations.
Whatever the reasons, we must address the issue. Because while drugs may help firefighters deal with the immediate stress of their careers, they can impair their judgment. Therefore, making them more likely to make mistakes.
In addition, the use of drugs can negatively impact firefighters’ health, making them more susceptible to injuries and illnesses.
Do any drug abuse cases reach the news?
Unfortunately yes. Some cases reached the news due to drug usage and deaths tied to drug overdoses.
In 2022, Fire Capt. Carlos Rivera of the Newark Firehouse was found dead from an overdose. His death prompted an investigation, and several firefighters got a suspension. The City transferred its whole staff, and their department’s drug testing policies came under review.
In 2022, Firefighter Mathew Dizney from the New Britain fire department was found dead in his house due to an overdose. The investigation into the matter resulted in a fire lieutenant’s termination and the demotion of numerous others.
In 2020, Firefighter Christopher Candito from the North Las Vegas firehouse got under investigation due to his wife overdosing on opioids. When he discovered his wife, he stole Narcan, a powerful anti-opioid medication, from the firehouse and administered it to her without success instead of calling 911 directly. He was later found guilty of burglary and murder charges.
Not all overdoses result in deaths. In 2018, an unnamed firefighter from the New Haven firehouse was found unconscious from an opioid overdose while on duty. Fortunately, in this case, his colleagues could revive him using Narcan. Nevertheless, he got a suspension while his department launched an internal investigation.
These cases cast a light on the different fire departments across the nation. As it turns out, not every firehouse has a random drug testing policy. Instead, it can be due to each fire department’s culture, the cost it takes to take those exams, or a sign of corruption.
What about the fire department’s alcohol policy?
Fire departments enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption while working. Therefore, you can’t store, work under alcohol influence, possess, or distribute alcohol on-premise.
Alcohol interferes with the ability to perform tasks effectively and effectively. It impairs judgment and can become a magnet for accidents.
Unfortunately, many in the fire service turn to alcohol to ease their mental distress. Others turn to illicit drugs to cope with their pain. While the reasons may be varied, most abuse cases start with injuries or witnessing tragic events.
What if I test positive?
You’ll get suspended if you test positive for a drug in your firefighting career or admit to using any controlled substance.
The fire department won’t admit you back until you are clean. And to show that, you may have to undergo back-to-work drug testing. This testing may be known as Return-to-work drug testing.
The fire chief must validate that you are clean and ready to return to your duties. If you refuse to be drugged tested, your fire department legally has the right to prohibit you from returning to work.
I am a firefighter and need help with my drug addiction
Several initiatives provide support for firefighters who struggle with addiction. This support includes counseling and other resources to help them cope with their habits and stay sober.
If you are struggling with drug addiction, seek help. The American Addiction Center has a lifeline designed for firefighters by firefighters.
Call (888) 285-8835 or visit: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/fire-services
In Conclusion
So, do firefighters get drug tested? It turns out it’s not a yes or no answer. It varies depending on each fire department’s policy, culture, and budget.
Regardless, there will be countless moments during your firefighting life when you’ll confront yourself with being tested.
For one, it is a State requirement in most jurisdictions. It’s part of the entry requirements, so that they won’t hire you without it. Plus, it’s a way to ensure you are at the top of your game when responding to an emergency.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s a way to ensure the State and Fire Service gets the best employees possible to fight the subsequent fire.
Stay clean and sober! Or ask for help if you are struggling!
