North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad addressed staffing shortages for local first responder agencies with employees who serve in the military and are on active duty this morning during a news conference.
Conrad has introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate that would allow agencies, such as police and fire departments, with employees deployed or activated for duty to apply for grants through Homeland Security to reduce the strain those staffing shortages may create.
The bill was partly inspired by Fargo police Chief Keith Ternes, Conrad said, adding that Ternes' concerns over staffing issues due to deployment are felt nationwide.
In the past five years, Fargo police have been short six to 10 officers on average, Ternes said.
For the full story, read Saturday's Forum.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Brittany Lawonn at (701) 241-5541
