Dear Editor:
I can not agree with the court system denying North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue’s appeal of residency for applicants. North Hudson residents’ taxes pay for the fire coverage they receive. Why are we relegated to hiring from residents outside our community? Growing up, many of us dreamt of becoming local public servants as either policemen or firemen. Now that dream of becoming a firefighter for local residents is significantly diminished because North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue can not have a residency preference hiring list. This is contrary to the many other large or larger municipal fire departments in this state, which currently practice hiring from resident preference lists. I know public servants do not have to remain residents after they are hired, but shouldn’t we have the option to hire locals first? Are residency preference lists a tool of the past for township’s who would prefer to hire from within their borders?
Respectfully,
David Flood
Weehawken