Firefighters Battle Bid to Enforce Residency Rule

Redondo Beach firefighters have rejected a proposed change in their contract that would allow firefighters to reside more than 60 miles away. Currently, firefighters are not allowed to live that far away, but several reside outside the mandated area and many are fighting the city’s effort to enforce the residency rule.

Under the terms proposed by the city, those living more than 60 miles away would be pardoned if department employees signed a waiver absolving the city from legal action should they not be able to arrive at an emergency on time.

Redondo Beach Firefighters Assn. President Robert Franck said the proposal was unfair and asked firefighters to give up concessions unrelated to the issue. He said department employees are particularly angry because the residency rule has been on the books for more than 20 years, but has not been enforced. He said many of those who live far away had asked for permission.