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Another Pittsburgh Firefighter Arrested on Drug Charges Leads to Louder Calls For Random Drug Testing

Another Pittsburgh Firefighter has been arrested on drug charges adding to this years growing list of Pittsburgh firefighters who have had problems with substance abuse. Pittsburgh Firefighter Brian Jackson has been arrested and charged with possessing cocaine and marijuana.

Chief Darryl Jones of the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau says, "Jackson's arrest shows that random drug testing in the bureau can wait no longer to protect the firefighters, their co-workers and the public." Jones added, "I believe random drug testing is going to identify how extensive the dependency problem the fire bureau has ... And, I believe it will open up some doors to give us some clue on how best to deal with that problem."

Recent incidents of substance abuse involving Pittsburgh Firefighters:

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.

Random drug testing has been approved by the Firefighters Union and Firefighters Union President Joe King said, "He won't delay its implementation."

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