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Cities Have Different Rules Governing Firefighter Speeding

An internal investigation shows several Columbus fire officials hit speeds over 100 miles per hour going to emergencies this year, raising questions about public safety. Administrators called for the investigation over union officials objections, and used records from the GPS units installed in battalion chiefs SUVs. The speeding doesn't violate department policy, and none of the fire officials named in the investigation will likely face disciplinary action. But the revelation highlights different interpretations in place across the state. State law permits emergency workers to speed if they use "due regard for people and property". In Columbus and Dayton, firefighters may speed as long as the road conditions are favorable. Akron firefighters are restricted to 5 miles per hour over the speed limit, and Youngstown emergency workers can go no more than 10 miles over the speed limit.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.