Nov 25, 2007 1:00 pm US/Eastern
Firefighters Joining War On Terror
DHS Wants Firefighters To Keep An Eye Open For Anything Unusual When Responding To Emergencies
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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The Department of Homeland Security is testing a program with New York City firefighters - the idea is to give fire departments a way to share intelligence information with the appropriate agencies - a system that did not exist before.
AP
New York's bravest are now training to become the eyes of the government. New York firefighters will act as lookouts for terrorism when responding to emergencies.
In times of emergencies, firefighters are trusted to help those in need - often putting their lives on the line to save others, but imagine having the FDNY telling police what they see in your or your neighbor's home.
Unlike the police, firefighters and paramedics do not need warrants to get into private homes and buildings - that is why there's a new push to make them an important part of the war on terror and crime.
The Department of Homeland Security is testing a program with New York City firefighters - the idea is to give fire departments a way to share intelligence information with the appropriate agencies - a system that did not exist before.
According to the AP, Homeland Security is training New York firefighters to spot unusual or dangerous chemicals, surveillance equipment, maps, photos, blue prints, and also firearms or weapons.
"It's a borderline thing actually," said Bill Simonick. "But I think they should do it." But Rick Miller felt it's "a violation of our privacy."
Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel thinks the program goes too far and is too broad. He called the program an invasion of privacy and he believes firefighters have no place acting as spies.
"The fire department's jurisdiction is to put out fires," said Siegel. "We don't want them to become an agency that engages in surveillance."
A spokesman with the FDNY told CBS station WCBS-TV in New York that while he cannot go into the specifics of the program, New York City firefighters are always encouraged to be "aware" while on the job.
Some opponents also fear that residents will stop trusting firefighters if they are working with police but if the program is successful here, Homeland Security plans to expand it to other cities.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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