Fire Unions OK FDNY's Altered Hiring Standards;
UFA Pushes Stronger Physical; UFOA Eyes Promotions

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

Leaders of the city's two uniformed fire unions have given qualified approval to the new hiring criteria for Firefighter announced last week by the Bloomberg administration.

STEPHEN J. CASSIDY: Let's get physical.

The new standards allow candidates with 15 college credits instead of 30 to apply for Firefighter positions, and will waive that requirement entirely for applicants with an honorable discharge from the military or six months full-time paid work experience. Previously candidates needed at least two years' in the military to bypass the college requirement.

'No Lower Standards'

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta last week said the altered criteria, coupled with a comprehensive marketing and recruitment effort from the FDNY, was geared toward increasing the department's contingent of minority firefighters. The changes represented an effort to improve and diversify the FDNY, not lower its hiring standards, he stated.

Uniformed Firefighters' Association President Stephen J. Cassidy said he wasn't overly concerned about the change in the college requirements, but that he wanted to know more about how the upcoming physical and written entrance exams would be administered and graded.

NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA: Wants more diversity.

DCAS spokesman Mark Daly confirmed that discussions were being held with Fire Department officials about the exam, but added that "because the test development process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Mr. Cassidy repeated his preference for an enhanced physical exam that would more rigorously vet would-be firefighters. He has been vocal about his desire to see the FDNY actively recruit candidates from the military.

Calls Physical Key

"I really think the job is more difficult and strenuous in New York City, and that's not a reflection on other firefighters in other cities, but a reflection of the type of high-rise buildings and hostile environment we find ourselves in," he commented. "We should have the highest standards of physical fitness for this job."

The FDNY differs from the Police Department in its approach to recruitment, largely because it doesn't face the same high turnover rate. The NYPD regularly holds entrance exams at military bases out of state in an effort to bring in new members.

FDNY spokesman Farrell Sklerov said the department could schedule entrance exams at military bases around the country, but it has no need to go through such an expensive procedure.

"Our goal is to reach out to New York City communities, where we have a huge pool of talent to draw from. It's the most effective way for the department," he said. "We're looking to get the word out to communities here that this is a great job for them."

Promotion Issue

An average of 15,000 candidates compete every year for the 500 to 600 jobs that become available, he noted. The FDNY also regularly joins local military recruitment drives. Battalion Chief John J. McDonnell, treasurer for the Uniformed Fire Officers' Association, questioned how the changes would affect promotions as new hires gained seniority.

"We understand and applaud the department's efforts to increase the eligibility pool of applicants for the position of Firefighter. Hopefully the goal of further diversifying the workforce will be achieved. However, we are concerned, perhaps a little confused, regarding the FDNY's academic requirements for promotion," he said during an Aug. 11 interview.

Under existing FDNY rules, firefighters must have five years on the job before they are eligible to take the first promotional exam - either for Lieutenant for Fire Marshal.

Credits a Burden?

"These new candidates will [also] need at least 60 college credits in order to be promoted to Lieutenant or Fire Marshal. Considering the low entry salary, along with personal and financial responsibilities, attaining 60 credits could be very burdensome for an individual," Mr. McDonnell said.

The UFOA supported the FDNY's decision to extend the training period for new hires because it would give instructors time to more closely observe their abilities before assigning them to a firehouse.

"[It is] our members who will be supervising them when they are assigned field jobs," Mr. McDonnell observed.

The FDNY said that the decision to extend the probationary training period wouldn't affect the pay scale for new hires.

Pay Structure

"Regardless of how long the training becomes, Firefighters will still progress to the next pay step after 13 weeks," said Mr. Sklerov. "That's the way the contract is written."

Based on the most recent UFA contract with the city, Probationary Firefighters start at $25,100. After they complete 13 weeks of training, the pay jumps to $32,700.