Fire Test Is Fair

To the Editor:

Your recent editorial about the written test for Firefighter omitted a central fact: the test was developed with input from hundreds of Firefighters and fire officers. They completed detailed surveys to help us identify the fundamental attributes of a successful Firefighter - abilities such as judgment, reasoning, facility with numbers, visualization, and teamwork.

The format of the test and the individual questions and answers were reviewed and approved by experienced firefighting personnel as well as testing experts. The multiple answers that appear on the proposed answer key are part of the test design, and candidates were instructed during the test that certain sections would follow this format.

While the format has changed, the purpose of the Firefighter exam is the same: to determine which candidates have the essential abilities that they will need to be trained at the Fire Academy. We are confident that this job-related test is comprehensive and fair, and that it will continue the Fire Department's success in developing a firefighting force of high quality.

MARTHA K. HIRST, Commissioner, Department of Citywide Administrative Services