It sounds as if they were ordered to do it. I think they regret following that order now; however.
What a twisted world we live in.
I think it was done as a way of harrasing them into resigning. Do it so we can find PC replacements.
I bet a few of these four men had families and were good at their jobs. It is the only way the left wingers could maximize the discomfort to get them to quit.
The harassment will not end with just this, they will be ordered to special diversity training, special ride alongs for civilians until they reach the point where their lesbian firechief can say they either were fired for refusing lawful orders or quit because they could not do the job.