by Bob Walsh
Requiring
first responders to live in or at least close to the areas they work is
not a new idea. Some of the notion is that being close allows quick
response in case of emergencies. A lot of it is that it gives the cops
and fire fighters a better feel for and appreciation of the community
they protect.
The great
state of Tennessee is looking at banning this requirements at the state
level, putting a zing to the Black-Democrat city of Memphis.
Connecticut
has banned these requirements, subject to collective bargaining.
Illinois permits them for cities of more than 100,000 population.
Missouri just passed a law preventing Kansas City from enacting a
residence requirement.
The Tennessee bill has already passed the senate and will be acted on by their house this year.
Representative
Antonio Parkinson, D-Mempis, has asserted (with some justification) "If
the city is good enough to pay you $70,000 a year it should be good
enough to live in." Memphis has huge first responder staff shortages
and last year had about one homicide per day. The city has over 650,000
residents.
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