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Smith Bill Allowing Hiring Preferences For Children Of Police And Firefighters Approved By Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith, which would provide a hiring preference for firefighter and law enforcement jobs to children whose parents were killed in the line of duty, was approved by the Senate today.

“Police and firefighters risk their lives every day to protect and save the lives of new Jersey residents,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “We need to make it even easier for the children of fallen officers and firefighters to work in the same field as their parents. “We owe the children of those killed in the line of duty the opportunity to continue the service that their parents provided for our State residents,” added Senator Smith.

The bill, S-1996, would amend current law so that a child whose parent was killed in the line of duty would be eligible for preferential hiring for positions in the fire department or law enforcement agency.

“Many children want to honor their parents, or carry on their spirit of dedication to civil service,” said Senator Smith. “We must give hiring preference is critical as we build a stronger and more dedicated workforce.”

Senator Smith noted that the preference would only be for initial appointments and not for promotions.

According to Senator Smith, police departments currently use hiring preference for veterans, but this bill would create another hiring preference category for any qualified applicant whose parent was killed while on duty as a fireman or police officer.

“It’s always unfortunate when members of the ‘job’ are killed while serving our State, but there is a lot to be said when their children want to also serve and protect by becoming firefighters or law enforcement officers,” said Senator Smith.

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