Facial hair among fire fighters is opposed by the Chief of the Waterbury (Connecticut) Fire Department. The State Board of Mediation and Arbitration finds no evidence that the fire fighter’s beard is a safety hazard, but only after he has shaved it off.
“Fire fighters who are not clean shaven are working under hazardous conditions in that long hair impairs the fire fighter’s helmet and affects breathing under a gas mask and that sparks flying on unshaven faces could cause severe complications. In view of the above, I hereby order all members of our department to have short haircuts and be clean shaven.”Chief Joseph Maloney, Waterbury, Connecticut Fire Department
