ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Bernalillo County firefighters will no longer be flying on the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) helicopter, following a new rule implemented by Sheriff John Allen. The sheriff stated that this change is a consequence of the county’s decision to stop random marijuana testing for certain employees, including firefighters. However, the local firefighters’ union claims that testing procedures have not ceased and that their testing guidelines align with those of the BCSO.
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The County Chapter Vice President of the local chapter of IAFF, Theodore Ygbuhuay, said, “None of our members are permitted in any way, shape, or form to be intoxicated or to be under the influence of any altering substances while on duty.”
On Wednesday, Sheriff John Allen announced his decision to remove Bernalillo County Fire Rescue personnel from the Metropolitan Air Support Unit, citing changes to the county’s drug and alcohol testing policy. Earlier this year, Bernalillo County commissioners approved a resolution that allows certain county employees, including firefighters, to use recreational and medicinal cannabis when off duty. This resolution also altered the frequency of drug testing for county firefighters…