FIREFIGHTERS UNDER INVESTIGATION AGREE TO TESTING

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- All of the Madison firefighters under investigation
for alleged cocaine use have agreed to submit to unannounced drug tests if
ordered and will pay for a substance abuse assessment, officials say.

The city has already suspended five of the 12 firefighters identified in a
report from the U.S. Attorney' s office that found they used or sold drugs,
including at least one sale in a fire station.

None of the firefighters was seen using drugs while on duty, according to
the report.

All five firefighters will continue to receive full pay while on suspension.

Fire Chief Debra Amesqua is trying to fire one of the five on suspension --
Lt. Terry Rice -- after his federal conviction on cocaine possession charges.

Amesqua and Firefighters Local 311 have reached an agreement that calls for
the 11 firefighters, minus Rice, to undergo an evaluation for substance
abuse with an unnamed provider.

The firefighters must schedule an appointment within the next two weeks.

If the treatment program recommends it, the firefighters will have to
submit to surprise drug tests to ensure they are drug-free, the agreement said.

The firefighters could lose their jobs if they fail to follow any of the
treatment program recommendations, the agreement reached Friday said.

The agreement between Amesqua and the union lists three purposes:

To assess the level of drug dependency, if any, among the 11 firefighters.

To provide treatment in cases of drug dependency and to ensure no future
use of drugs or controlled substances.

To determine the employees' ability to perform their duties.