Boston Union: No Drinking During Parade
BOSTON --
The Boston Firefighters Union has asked it members not to drink alcohol until they're done marching in the South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade this year.
The union, which has battled the city's attempts to require drug testing as part of a new union contract, is concerned about any negative publicity.
"Because of the tremendous scrutiny Local 718 has been under the last two years, we strongly ask any member who wants to participate (sic) NO Drinking until we finish the parade," the union wrote in a statement posted on its Web site. "If a marshal sees you drinking while wearing our shirts you will be told not to march."
The union also asked that firefighters not wear their uniforms.
"Local 718 will be handing out specially made tee (sic) shirts for all firefighters marching in this event," the statement reads.
The calls for drug and alcohol testing came after the deaths of firefighters Warren Payne and Paul Cahill, who died fighting a fire at a West Roxbury restaurant.
The autopsies found that Payne had traces of cocaine and marijuana in his system, while Cahill had a .27 blood alcohol level.
The parade will be held on March 15. "This is not a protest march, but a march to show our thanks to the citizens of South Boston for their support during this difficult time," the union said.
Boston Police commissioner Edward Davis also sent a letter to their unions reminding members that Boston will be cracking down on drinking.
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