Georgia County Will Hire Prisoners As Firefighters

Inmates will be put in stations and supervised

In an effort to save money, Camden County, Georgia is considering developing a program where they will  employ prison inmates as firefighters.

The program will be similar to California's where prisoners are used to fight wildfire blazes. Prisoners will be allowed to work at fire stations, under supervision. Firefighers will train and monitor the inmatesl. Reportedly the prisoners are looking forward to the program being approved, as it is an alternative to sitting behind bars all day. But actual firefighters aren't really feeling the idea. They say that employing criminals will "tarnish" the department.

"If you vote to bring these inmates into our working environment, you jeopardize not only the employees' well-being, but the safety of our citizens," said firefighter Stuart Sullivan.

Not every inmate would be eligible though. Only those who committed non-violent crimes like theft and drug offenses and have a good behavior record will be considered. Also, inmates must pass an interview process and agree not to use cell phones, invite visitors or leave the grounds outside of an emergency. The inmates wouldn't be paid, but they will be able to apply for a job as a firefighter five years after their sentences are served.

If the program is approved, it will join another Georgia program where probationers are put to work to replace illegal immigrants who used to have those jobs. Guess it's safe to say that if you get locked up in Georgia, they're going to get some use out of you.