Bearded firemen back to full duty

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A federal judge yesterday ordered the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services to allow six firefighters and paramedics who have refused to shave their beards for religious reasons to return to full-duty status.

U.S. District Judge James Robertson issued his ruling yesterday after the plaintiffs, who were on administrative duty, passed three tests to see whether they could get a proper fit from their face masks.

A seventh plaintiff has not completed his testing.

Art Spitzer, executive director of the D.C. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the bearded firefighters and paramedics, said the ruling is a victory.

"It's definitely good news," Mr. Spitzer said. "If my clients show they can do their jobs safely, they should be allowed to do them."

Fire department spokesman Alan Etter noted that the judge's ruling is not final. The ruling was issued because the men, who have been reassigned to administrative positions, have suffered an unjust financial hardship.

Mr. Etter said the fire department will appeal the ruling.

"We will abide by what the judge said, but it is contrary to our convictions that this is about firefighter safety," he said.

Mr. Etter said that if any of the emergency workers fail a fit test, they will be reassigned to administrative duty.

The judge made his ruling during a hearing yesterday and is expected to issue a written order in the next few days.