St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Governor Eric Greitens wants to create more opportunities for returning veterans to find employment in Missouri businesses and public safety.

On Thursday, the Governor spoke on this issue during a press conference at the St. Louis City Fire Academy.

“A lot of businesses would like to have what they call a Veterans Hiring Preference and what that means is that if a number of people apply for a job that the business can choose to hire that veteran who’s coming back with the skills and lessons that come from military service. Unfortunately, some people say that this prejudice  and they’ll get trial lawyers who will sue small businesses.” Greitens explained.

Greitens said come January, he’s going to work to make Missouri a Veteran Hiring Preference state.

The Governor also participated in an exercise at the Fire Academy, which included climbing up and down a fire truck ladder, a controlled burn, and climbing out of a window.