Recruit Resurrection?

10 TV: Twenty-seven Columbus Division of Police recruits are still waiting to find out whether or not they will have jobs come week's end. As the recruits await word on their jobs, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police -- the union representing Columbus officers -- traveled to Washington D.C. as part of an effort to try and secure federal money that could be used to keep the recruits in Columbus…

Late last month, city administrators informed the recruits that they would not have jobs waiting for them with the department. According to city officials, the move would save the city about $1.2 million. Members of the police union criticized the plan, saying the city had already invested more than $1 million in training the recruits.

In addition to eliminating the police recruit class, the city has closed recreation centers, ordered layoffs and asked unionized employees to forgo pay raises in 2009. All moves were made to combat a looming budget shortfall.

Last week, President Barack Obama promised federal stimulus money to save police and fire recruits, and he specifically mentioned the situation in Columbus… Members of the police recruit class said Obama's words gave them renewed hope that funds would be allocated to save their jobs.

While the city is expected to formally lay off the recruits on Friday, city officials said they could still be rehired if and when stimulus money is allocated…