Bearded D.C. Firefighters on Full Duty
Several months ago, I posted about some Washington D.C. firefighters that had been reassigned to administrative duty because they refused to shave their beards. Well, a judge has ruled on the issue (from the Washington Times via FireFightingNews.com).
A federal judge yesterday ordered the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services to allow six firefighters and paramedics who have refused to shave their beards for religious reasons to return to full-duty status. U.S. District Judge James Robertson issued his ruling yesterday after the plaintiffs, who were on administrative duty, passed three tests to see whether they could get a proper fit from their face masks....
Fire department spokesman Alan Etter noted that the judge's ruling is not final. The ruling was issued because the men, who have been reassigned to administrative positions, have suffered an unjust financial hardship.
Mr. Etter said the fire department will appeal the ruling.
"We will abide by what the judge said, but it is contrary to our convictions that this is about firefighter safety," he said.
Mr. Etter said that if any of the emergency workers fail a fit test, they will be reassigned to administrative duty.
Hmmm. From the above info, it sounds like the firefighters have already passed three tests to see if their face masks fit properly. It would be interesting to know what type of test they passed. I'm sure this isn't the last word we hear on this issue.
Does anyone know if there has been a conclusive, scientific, and unbiased study conducted and published regarding facial hair and face mask fit? If you know of one, please let me know.
