By JIM BUTLER

The administration has dropped plans to seek new authorities relative to firearms possession at Alexandria parades and other special events.

Mayor Jacques Roy told the City Council Legal Committee that the prospective legislation, vetted to avoid 2nd Amendment issues, will not be introduced after the National Rifle Association voiced concerns.

That’s a hassle the city doesn’t want to get into regardless its belief those fears were allayed in the draft legislation.

State law prohibits parade float riders from carrying but does not address spectators.

The city, Roy told the committee, will seek legislative approval to use cross-trained firefighters from the fully staffed department to supplement the shorthanded police force.

Though new to Alexandria, such dual function is in use in other jurisdictions.

While remaining under all Fire Service systems (Civil Service, retirement,  wage and salary, etc.) those assigned police duty would be supervised by that department during those duty hours.