Inmate Firefighters

“Inmates could staff fire stations in Ga. County” was an article title that caught my eye today. My instant reaction was “Really?! Are you serious?!”

                Naturally, I clicked on the short article and I read it.  I was amazed by the fact that this county in Georgia is considering placing two to three inmates in fire stations to respond to all emergencies along side the real responders. 

                The sole reason for this proposal is to potentially save 500,000 dollars a year. Now don’t get me wrong I’m all for saving money, but at the expense of the safety of ordinary people?  The inmates that would be eligible for this program are charged with theft and drug related crimes.  I don’t think that people will want these criminals coming into their house when they need help.

                The idea for this program would be that firefighters would be trained on how to handle the inmates since there will be no guards to watch them.  The officials propose that one traditional firefighter will be able to guard and control up to three, trained inmate firefighters. 

                In my personal opinion this is a terrible idea (incase you didn’t pick up on that yet). Why would anyone want to let charged criminals in their house when they need help?  People trust the fire department and shouldn’t be afraid to call for help.  If criminals are responding with the fire department people are going to be reluctant to call for help. In an emergency every second counts on whether someone lives or dies and if they are reluctant to call then they very well may end up in more trouble.

                Also, if these inmates are in prison because of drug charges and theft how can you trust them in an environment where things like drugs and personal property can easily be taken without people knowing of it?  For example ambulances and paramedics have controlled substances with them.  How do we know that these inmates will not take them to use or sell?

                 Also note that If anyone were to be hired as a career firefighter they would have to have a clean record. So how does it make sense to put felons in the same position? Let me know if you would feel safe letting felons into your home to help you.

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Prsioner + Firefighter = ?!