HAMILTON — Gov. Bob Taft's short message seemed to resonate with firefighters here Tuesday.

        Although the governor spoke only about five minutes to the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters convention, the audience of about 250 gave him two standing ovations at the Hamiltonian Hotel.

        Mr. Taft told convention delegates: “Protecting the safety of citizens is the foremost responsibility of government. You are exceptional public servants.”

        The governor said firefighters' right to collective bargaining is “a right I will protect.” The crowd, almost exclusively affiliated with a union called the International Association of Fire Fighters, stood and applauded. Mr. Taft also outlined his support of measures with important consequences for firefighters:

        • Eliminating residency requirements so they can live where they choose, not necessarily in the community for which they work. • Legislation adding testing for firefighters who may have been exposed to diseases during lifesaving efforts.

        • Channeling federal funds into training and equipment to handle potential terrorism.

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