Trending Topics

FDNY ceases random, scheduled and pre-employment testing for marijuana

According to Local 854, like the department’s alcohol policy, there will be testing for cause if a member is thought to be impaired on the job

FDNYmemo71322.png

By FireRescue1 staff

NEW YORK — The FDNY announced on Wednesday that it will no longer test for marijuana at random or pre-employment screening.

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (IAFF Local 854) tweeted the news, sharing a picture of an FDNY Bureau of Operations memo distributed to all boroughs from Chief of Operations John Esposito.

The memo reads in full: “The New York City Law Department has issued guidance that prohibits adverse employment actions on off-duty marijuana usage. This will change pre-employment, random and scheduled drug testing policies for marijuana. Use of any substance while at work still remains strictly prohibited. Guidance on these changes will be disseminated in the next 14 days.”

FDNYmemo71322.png

UFOA noted that, like the fire department’s alcohol policy, there will be testing for “cause” if a member is thought to be impaired.

Trending
Therapy dogs from the nonprofit Go Team give first responders, dispatchers a chance to decompress from the emotional toll of emergency calls
The new free service notifies trained Danville community members when someone nearby is in cardiac arrest, helping start CPR and locate an AED
The new Quick Response Unit designation allows Ferndale firefighters to respond to medical calls and reduce long ambulance wait times in their rural community
The Cleveland Firefighters Hockey Fest honored five fallen Ohio firefighters, including EMT and recruit Symeon S. Williams Sr., who died during fire academy training in 2025

Related content