For New Firefighters

Mixed View on College Waiver

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

The Fire Department's decision to dramatically alter its hiring requirements in an effort to boost minority recruits garnered a mixed reaction from its rank and file without making much of a ripple among some of the young people the change is designed to attract.

The Chief-Leader/Michel Friang GIVING IT THE COLLEGE TRY: Carven Samedi (left) and Robert Antioco, two students at the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, said a change in the Fire Department's hiring criteria meant to attract minorities wouldn't influence them because they've set their sights on going to college and joining the world of business.

An impromptu poll of firefighters at several different firehouses last week revealed a split mostly along generational lines. Senior firefighters who entered the department before college was a requirement were philosophical about the city's decision to slash existing criteria in half - to 15 credits instead of 30. Candidates who can prove six months of paid, full-time work experience can have the requirement waived entirely.

'Working, Listening Key'

 

"As long as you're willing to work hard and learn what you have to, then having spent a few semesters in college isn't going to make a big difference one way or another," a veteran Firefighter commented.

More worrisome to elders in the ranks was the FDNY's decision to alter the military service needed. Previously, candidates had to have two years or more to bypass the college credit requirement.

Now applicants with as little as six months' military time, an honorable discharge and a high school diploma can apply.

A few veteran firefighters said they were concerned that applicants who had limited work experience and little or no military exposure would lack the maturity - and perhaps the discipline - to join the FDNY, even with the extended training time that the department will adopt at the Randalls Island Fire Academy.

A couple of teenagers who were wrapping up a summer-school session at the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change in Harlem had their own concerns about joining the FDNY - mainly the pay scale.

Not High on Their List

Carven Samedi, 16, and Robert Antioco, 16, said they'd never really considered firefighting as a career.

The Chief-Leader/Michel Friang READY FOR HIS CLOSE-UP: Terrell Williams, 16, said he would consider filling out an application to join the Fire Department once he's old enough. He cited the job's pension and health-care benefits as reasons he would join the FDNY, plus the opportunity to do a little calendar modeling.

"I am definitely thinking about going to college, because it's fun, and I want to study international business," said Mr. Samedi, who is a member of the Young Achievers Club at his high school. "I guess changing the college credits wouldn't matter to me." Both young men expressed more interest in today's global marketplace than in firefighting.

Although Mr. Samedi grew up directly across the street from a firehouse, he had no idea about the flexible work schedule, health benefits and half-pay pension after 20 years that the job affords.

"But the firefighters are real cool and all - they always talk to me when I ask for air for the tires on my bike, and they help me out," he noted.

"What's the pay?" Mr. Antioco asked, and frowned when he heard that the starting salary was $25,100.

'A Positive Career'

His expression brightened when told about other job perks, like overtime pay and shift-swapping, and he noted that the senior officers' pay scale "wasn't bad."

When asked how they perceived firefighting, both said it was a job for heroes.

"My mom wouldn't mind; she'd probably be very happy that I'm doing good," said Mr. Antioco.

"It's a positive career - they save lives and get to be on TV," added Mr. Samedi.

Several other kids gave similar answers, although they asked not to be quoted. Their relaxed attitude about life after graduation represents a cultural shift from that of previous generations.

Even as recently as 15 years ago, civil service was a popular pathway into dependable life-long employment; it wasn't unheard of for high school and college grads to take entrance exams for several different job titles in the hope that one would come through.

As labor markets shifted here and abroad and new avenues to wealth opened up in the entertainment, travel and customer service industries, many civil service occupations have had to compete with the private sector for workers.

Firefighting has been the exception for a variety of reasons, not the least of them the job's tendency to run in families - if not from parent to child, then from an uncle to a nephew or niece. For some of the younger FDNY members, whose ties to the job are steeped in family history, Mayor Bloomberg's decision to alter the hiring criteria was viewed as a political concession designed to make him look good in the eyes of the public.

'Not Good for FDNY'

"With everything we're being asked to do today involving terrorism threats of [hazardous materials] and chemical weapons, lowering the hiring standards is not in the best interests of the department," said one firefighter.

When asked if having college credits added to a person's ability to do the job, he said that what mattered was a person's ability to absorb information and analyze well, "not where they lived."

Terrell Williams, 16, a student at Vanguard High School on East 67th St., saw the change in hiring criteria as a positive thing - he said he hoped the city would continue to look for ways to recruit young residents like him.

"It's a stable environment if you work for the city, and the firefighters have the best job - it takes courage," he said.

Although Mr. Williams, whose favorite subject is science, said he's thinking about college, he also needs a way to pay for it. He felt the FDNY could be a great fit for him, especially since he enjoys physical activity and is in good shape.

"I know they do a calendar every year where the firefighters pose," he laughed. "I'm ready right now to do that."