A long-simmering debate over municipal residency requirements in Massachusetts has flared up in Springfield.
Three city councilors in Springfield claim six deputy or district chiefs in the Springfield Fire Department are in violation of the city’s residency ordinance.
Their public demand for the fire officials to move into the city immediately, or give up their jobs, brought a sharp rebuke from Mayor Domenic Sarno.
" You know they're never asked, when they are in those dangerous situations, ' Where to you live?' They are never asked that question," said Sarno.
The union representing professional firefighters in Massachusetts has asked the state legislature to exempt public safety officers from local residency laws.
State law excuses teachers from any local residency requirements.
