8 US Air Marshals fired for drinking on the job

GlobalPost

Eight US Air Marshals were fired for drinking alcohol on a training day.

The Air Marshals, including a supervisor, are being fired by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for allegedly drinking at a local New York restaurant while on duty, reported the New Jersey Star-Ledger. Six others were suspended for not reporting the misconduct. One marshal also admitted to using his or her position to unethically request a discount at the restaurant for being a law enforcement officer.

Thirteen of the marshals can appeal the decision, while one who was a probationary employee was terminated immediately, according to the Associated Press. The TSA said the drinking happened in February and was reported on a website that allows employees to inform bosses of inappropriate behavior.

The AP also reported that none of the marshals were scheduled to fly on the day of the drinking, but the TSA said consuming alcohol is forbidden at all times a marshal is on duty. Some of the marshals also had their service weapons with them at the restaurant. Those fired have now had to turn in their weapons and credentials.

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"TSA holds all of its employees to the highest professional and ethical standards and has zero tolerance for misconduct in the workplace," the TSA said in a statement, according to the Star-Ledger. "TSA's decision to remove the individuals involved in the misconduct affirms our strong commitment to the highest standards of conduct and accountability."

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