Use of Prisoners as Firefighters

Posted by: Curt Varone September 16, 2011 13 Comments

A friend of mine sent me this story about the use of prisoners as firefighters in Georgia. Apparently it is old news to many, but it is such a radical idea to me that I felt it was worth airing this issue here.

What do you think, good idea, bad idea?

My concern is over the opportunity that firefighters have to enter into buildings in the absence of the owner, having access to keys, security code information, etc. Is the cost of a firefighter’s salary that outrageous that responsible officials would subject citizens to such a threat? Or is it the Tea Party mindset gone off the deep end?

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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