Fighting for Religious Freedom in the Buffalo Fire Dept.

May the Peace and Blessings of God be upon you, my name is Rafeal Suarez Sr., I’m a proud Muslim, firefighter, and devoted father of four children. I have dedicated 23 years of my life to public service in the City of Buffalo, with the last 15 years as a firefighter for the Buffalo Fire Department. I’ve risked my life countless times to protect my community, but now I find myself facing repeated suspensions—and the threat of termination—not because I’ve failed in my duties, but because I choose to practice my faith.

 How Did We Get Here?

 In October of 2024, while working as a Lieutenant in a “Non-Manpower” position at the Fire Department’s Service Station behind City Hall Downtown Buffalo. “Non-Manpower” positions do not respond to emergency calls, meaning I have no direct interaction with emergency situations while on duty.

While attending a meeting with the Commissioner of Fire, I was asked why I was not “clean-shaven.” I explained that, as a practicing Muslim, maintaining a beard is a requirement of my faith. Despite my explanation—and the fact that my role at the time did not involve emergency response—the Commissioner ordered me to shave. When I respectfully refused, I was suspended for 30 days without pay. This cycle of suspension has now repeated three times, leaving me not only financially strained but also emotionally exhausted. I feel targeted, and harassed by my administration and unsupported by my union for standing firm in my faith.

The Commissioner has explicitly stated that he is pushing for my termination.

 Why Does the BFD Require Personnel to Be Clean-Shaven?

The Buffalo Fire Department’s grooming policy mandates all members to be clean-shaven while on duty. This policy is cited as necessary for “professionalism and safety.” While safety is, of course, paramount, the policy fails to offer any exemptions for religious or medical reasons, making it oppressive and outdated compared to more progressive organizations.

 Branches of the U.S. military and even the Buffalo Police Department have recently updated their grooming policies to accommodate individuals with religious or medical needs. The BFD has not.

Why I Refuse to Follow the Policy.

As a Muslim, following the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) requires me to maintain a beard. It is not merely a personal preference but a fundamental aspect of my faith.

 When I was first suspended, I was already in a “Non-Manpower” position, meaning I was not responding to emergency calls. Additionally, the Commissioner ordered my chief to prohibit me from even driving or riding in department vehicles.—effectively making safety concerns irrelevant.

The Deputy Commissioner of Personnel revealed the true intent behind these measures, stating, “He doesn’t want the public to see you.” This blatant disregard for my religious rights has only strengthened my resolve to fight for fairness. This is not about safety—it is about discrimination.

 How Has This Affected My Family?

The emotional and financial toll of these repeated suspensions has been devastating, not only for me but for my family. I am the father of four children, ranging from a 2-year-old preschooler to a 19-year-old college sophomore. With each unpaid suspension, my family has suffered. Because of my forced time off without pay, it has becoming increasingly difficult to support my children. Bills have piled up, and the stress of this situation has been overwhelming. As a father, it has been heartbreaking to see my children impacted by this unjust treatment. No family should have to suffer because a parent chooses to stand by their faith.

 How Has My Union Responded?

The lack of support from my union has taken a significant toll on my mental health. While my union has said they will fight for my job, they have made it clear that my religious rights are not a priority. Their only advice has been to “just shave and follow the rules”—an insensitive and dismissive response that disregards my beliefs. Their inaction has left me feeling abandoned and unsupported by the very institutions meant to protect and advocate for me.

 What Am I Fighting For?

 I am not just fighting for myself—I am fighting for change. My goal is to push for updated policies within the Buffalo Fire Department that allow for religious and medical exemptions. These changes would ensure that all members can practice their faith or address their health needs without fear of punishment or discrimination. No one should have to choose between their faith and their career. I hope to achieve a fair and equitable workplace where leadership prioritizes understanding, progressive policy-making, and problem-solving over punitive measures.

 What I’ve Learned.

This experience has taught me the importance of compassionate leadership—leaders who care about the values and well-being of their team members, not just maintaining outdated systems. Change is possible, but it requires courage, advocacy, and community support.

 How You Can Help Your support will help me cover:

 • Legal fees to fight for my religious rights.
 • Living expenses during these unpaid suspensions.
 • Advocacy efforts to push for policy reform in the Buffalo Fire Department.

 Any amount you can contribute will make a meaningful difference in this fight for religious freedom, equity, and justice.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my story to help bring awareness to this cause.

Thank you for standing with me and supporting my family during this difficult time. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding future for everyone.