By Leila Merrill
PITTSBURGH — An arbitrator ruled Tuesday that city firefighters no longer are required to live within Pittsburgh.
KDKA reported that the arbitrator has issued a cease and desist order on the city’s enforcement of residency for its firefighters. By declaring the requirement invalid, all 657 uniform firefighters can now live wherever they choose.
“My membership is obviously happy with the decision that’s come down,” Ralph Sicuro of the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union said.
The arbitrator’s order follows a 2017 state Supreme Court decision striking down a similar residency requirement for city police, allowing them to take up residence elsewhere.
The city has 30 days to appeal the ruling.
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