Why No Volunteers? LMRFD Prohibits the Use of Alcohol by Volunteers & Employees

I see now why the LMRFD lost so many volunteers when they started "drug testing" some time ago. In my opinion they ask a little too much from those they ask to volunteer and take hours of training on their own time.

It seems like prohibiting the use of alcohol while off-duty by volunteers and employees would reduce dramatically the number of people who would apply or volunteer in small areas like Dolan Springs.

Many people like a cold beer on a hot summer day, and there's nothing wrong with that. You shouldn't drink and drive, or show up at work drunk or hung over, but other that that there's nothing wrong with a cold beer once in a while.

In the LMRFD employment and volunteer application in the Statement of Understanding and Agreement's Drug and Alcohol Testing section volunteers and employees would not be allowed to have a beer at a family barbeque without being fired.

To prohibit volunteers from engaging in lawful conduct while off-duty in my opinion is asking too much from people willing to GIVE their time to the community.

Drug and Alcohol Testing: In order to assure a drug-free work environment, the District prohibits the use, sale, transfer, being under the influence and/or reporting to work after using or ingesting illicit drugs in accordance with department policies. Under District policy, alcohol is included within the meaning and prohibition of drugs. Successful passage of drug testing will be condition for employment and continued employment. http://lmrfd.org/employment-volunteer-application 

Entire volunteer fire department resigns after drinking is banned
http://www.fark.com/comments/2116797/Entire-volunteer-fire-department-resigns-after-drinking-is-banned-at-local-firehall