Firefighter fired for refusing drug test

Post By: Dawn Smillie

A firefighter who refused to take a drug test after being convicted of possessing illegal substances has been sacked

With some employers now introducing mandatory drug tests in order to ensure their employees remain focused and clean, many would expect workers to ensure they avoid contact with illicit substances.

However, not everyone behaves this way as was evidenced when one US fireman recently lost his job for refusing a drug test he was ordered to take following a conviction for the possession of illegal substances.

Firehouse.com reported that veteran St Louis firefighter Khari Sharp was asked to go with assistant chief Derrick Burns and Union Local 23 president Brandon Walls to Memorial Hospital in Belleville to undergo a substance diagnostics examination.

The request came after Mr Sharp had been charged in Texas with possession of marijuana, with the police report adding that he also had $50,000 (£32,900) in cash on his person.

His refusal to take the test violated the East St Louis Fire Departpent's agreement with the union, explained fire chief Jason Blackmon, who added that Mr Sharp was considered a good firefighter and that the decision was not personal.

Under the rules, any worker who refuses to comply with such an order within one hour can be discharged for insubordination.

Mr Sharp intends to fight his dismissal and explained that he is "exploring subsequent options including review and formal action".

Substance misuse is taken seriously by the fire service in the UK too, with Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service taking a tough stance on the matter.

The organisation urges its members to come forward voluntarily with any substance problem and aims to deal with such cases on a discretionary basis.

However, it reserves the right to screen employees for both alcohol and drugs misuse.