The FDNY’s “zero tolerance” for drug abuse has gone up in smoke.
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro has quietly abandoned the department’s once-trumpeted policy calling for the firing of anyone caught using illegal or prohibited substances, The Post has learned.
In the last month, 26 firefighters who had tested positive on urine tests since 2016 were returned to full duty, insiders revealed.
“They give certain guys second chances — as long as you don’t put anyone’s life in jeopardy,” said one of the spared firefighters.
“People make mistakes.”
Under normal protocol, the 26 smoke-eaters were immediately suspended ?for ?a month without pay. But after ?the 30-day period was up, they were returned to light duty instead of getting the ax.
By March 29, all were restored to full duty and assigned to firehouses across the city.