(WSBT) Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea says he wants all city employees to undergo random drug tests. He says the move will make sure people who live in the city are safe. Rea made the decision after an arbitrator ruled against the city after a city firefighter failed a drug test.

Mishawaka's current policy calls for employees to be drug tested if they've been in an accident in a city-owned vehicle. Two people went to the hospital after firefighter Jeffrey Holland's accident last August.

“We tried to take the subjectivity out of that,” Rea said. “Driving our vehicle, if you get into an accident, you have to get tested. “

An arbitrator ruled Holland shouldn't have been tested, because under the firefighters’ contract, someone would have had to see signs he was under the influence before he was tested. Rea said by changing the policy, all employees would have to follow the same rules.

“When you call 911, it's critical that the folks that respond to your needs or concerns are of right mind and are capable of handling your needs,” Rea said.

The policy change will have to be agreed to by all of the city's employee unions. It would take effect in 2009.

Democratic candidate for mayor Mike Hayes told WSBT News that he believes the city's current policy isn't working. He agrees a random testing policy could work as an incentive for employees to stay drug free. But he said the city's public safety departments should help draft the policy.