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Pittsburgh City Firefighters Will Be Tested for Drug Use

The Pittsburgh City Firefighters Union and City Management representatives have in essence agreed to implement a new drug testing policy. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the proposed testing policy will likely include "random drug tests, terminations of repeat violators and a fairer playing field when discipline is disputed."

Pittsburgh Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl has high regards for the policy as he recently placed his stamp of approval on it. This year was an eye-opening year for the city of Pittsburgh as two Firefighters were involved high profile drug related incidents.


  • Firefighter John Connors: The city tried to fire Connors after a guilty plea to drug possession only to have their decision overturned by a firefighters tribunal. The tribunal returned Connors to the field as they deemed the city improperly demanded a drug test.


  • Firefighter Vincent Manzella: In support of his heroin addiction, Manzella would call in false alarms to empty out his station and then burglarize the firehouse. Manzella resigned and his criminal case is pending.

Michael Huss Pittsburgh's Public Safety Director stated that, "There are a lot of firefighters that don't want to work with firefighters that are doing drugs. The new policies will begin to start to build confidence back up that our employees are clean."

The city-and-union committee will now have 90 days to work out a random drug and alcohol testing policy.

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