LINCOLN, Neb. --
Lincoln firefighters have reached an agreement with the city to begin random drug and alcohol testing.
The move comes after two paramedics were arrested this summer and accused of stealing drugs. Both have since been fired and their certificates suspended.
Lincoln's mayor commended the firefighters union for working with the city.
"[The] firefighters were willing to put aside legitimate privacy concerns because they ultimately want what we all want, emergency response that is responsible, dependable and accountable," Mayor Chris Beutler said.
Half of the 271 fire employees will be tested on an annual basis.
It'll cost the city about $13,000 year.
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