BOSTON -- In the wake of two deaths of Boston firefighters who were killed fighting a West Roxbury blaze over the summer, a new report is recommending that all Hub firefighters undergo regular random drug and alcohol testing.

Warren Payne and Paul Cahill were killed fighting a fire at the Tai Ho restaurant, and autopsy results later revealed that Payne had traces of cocaine in his system and that Cahill's blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.

NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that now a panel ordered by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to recommend department changes released its findings on Friday.

The findings, reportedly based on similar reviews conducted seven years ago, call for random drug and alcohol testing of firefighters.

Menino said the recommendations are a critical step in regaining the public's trust.

"These recommendations make a lot of sense to improve the professionalism and safety of firefighters. They will improve public safety. I strongly support these recommendations, especially the recommendation from random drug testing," Menino said.

Firefighters' union officials have consistently fought attempts to institute random testing, although it is a common practice for firefighters in other communities. On Friday, Firefighters Union President Ed Kelly did not say specifically if the union supports drug testing.

"We look forward to bargaining with the city, with the mayor to implement some of these recommendations in a fair and equitable manner," he said.

Currently, testing policy calls for firefighters to be tested for drugs and alcohol when they're first hired and then again six months later. After that, they would be tested only if there were indications they have a substance abuse problem.

The panel also recommended annual physicals and more regular fitness testing for firefighters and pre-employment psychological testing. Each station should have a designated fitness officer and fitness equipment and regime, the panel said.

The public's reaction to the recommendations is mixed.

"I think they should. They are doing it in other parts of the country, aren't they? I think it is a good idea," one Boston resident said.

"I don't think they should test them at all. They take care of us," another resident said.

The report contains only recommendations and they constitute the fourth outside review of the fire department since Menino took office.