Twenty-seven recruits from the Columbus Division of Police have been rehired after previously being laid off. Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced Wednesday that the city will use President Obama’s federal stimulus funds to save the officers’ jobs.
Columbus will receive $1.25 million to pay the police recruits’ salaries from March 2 until Dec. 31. The recruits were laid off on Jan. 27, just three days before they were about to be sworn in as officers. They had trained for months for the position but were released because of Columbus budget cuts, and have been on paid leave ever since.
Restoration for the recruits came on Feb. 18 when Obama said his $787 billion stimulus package would prevent the layoffs of police recruits like the ones in Columbus.
Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel said in a statement that he congratulates President Obama and Mayor Coleman for their cooperation in finding a solution to the tough budget situation.
“I have personally met with many of these recruits to support them through these difficult times,” Mentel said. “The safety and security of our citizens is the number one concern of city leaders.”
The recruits will return to the Columbus Police Academy today for refresher training.
Mentel said City Council will continue to work with the mayor and leaders in Washington, D.C., to ensure hardworking police officers are trained and equipped in America.
Heather Hope can be reached at [email protected]
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
