DRUG TESTING SOUGHT IN SUMMERVILLE

Firefighters might again be included in a random drug-testing program for
public safety employees, and all town employees might be tested when
involved in a vehicle wreck.

Fire Chief Robert Brown has asked for ongoing tests selecting some of 56
department personnel each year, saying he's not aware of any serious
problems, "but you never know."

Police Chief Roy Whitehead requested the drug testing in the event of a
vehicle wreck.

Firefighters had been tested randomly along with police officers, but their
testing was discontinued before Brown was named fire chief in 2000.

"For whatever reason, firefighters weren't considered 'safety sensitive,' "
Brown said. "I think it's a very proactive way to keep us and the public safe."

Town Attorney Troy Knight is reviewing the requests.

Random testing is a controversial privacy rights issue. Court decisions
have ruled it illegal to test employees without grounds for suspicion, but
have made an exception for "safety sensitive" public safety employees
including firefighters, said Howard Duvall of the South Carolina Municipal
Association.

Along with public safety random testing, the town currently tests new
employees and those under "particularized suspicion," said Administrator
Mark Williams.

Each drug test costs about $35, and the town spends less than $1,500 per year.

"For that kind of money, with the safety factor involved, let's do it,"
Councilman Aaron Brown said.

For about 10 years, the Summer-ville Commissioners of Public Works has
drug-tested any employees involved in a wreck, said Manager Charlie
Cuzzell. "But the commissioners felt random testing was too much intrusion
into people's business," he said.