Posted on 01/07/2013 5:05:03 AM PST by Altura Ct.
Nearly 300 who didn't score high enough on entrance exams in 1999 and 2002 will take test again. Many Bravest outraged by judge's decision, which could catapult novices ahead of veterans on job
They coulda' been contenders — and now they have a second chance.
Nearly 300 black and Latino firefighter candidates who didn’t score high enough to join the FDNY in 1999 and 2002 are getting a rare opportunity take their entrance exams again.
They’ll sit for the FDNY written exam Friday, and an intense physical fitness test will follow later.
If they can rack up passing grades on both, the job with generous pension, sick pay and other benefits could be within their grasp.
The break is part of a controversial ruling from Brooklyn Judge Nicholas Garaufis, who in July found the FDNY guilty of discrimination after a group of black firefighters and the Vulcan Society successfully challenged the methodology of its entrance exams.
Garaufis ordered the city to pay $187 million in damages.
He also found that 186 blacks and 107 Latinos who took the ’99 and ’02 tests might have made the grade had the process been different, and compelled the city to find as many of them as possible and give them another shot regardless of age — even those over 40. Usually the FDNY won’t allow anyone older than 29 to sit for an exam, with an exception for those in the military.
Many of the Bravest were outraged by the decision, which could catapult these latter-day candidates ahead of firefighters already on the job.
“Seniority was earned in the dead of night when these benefactors were home sleeping,” Firefighter Matthew Bland, a nine-year veteran, said at a fiery court hearing in October when rank-and-file aired their views with Garaufis.
“I am concerned for the future of my department,” said Chief Nicholas Corrado, the highest-ranking FDNY officer to testify. “Standards must remain high.”
But the candidates who dreamed of firefighting 15 years ago aren’t letting a little heat slow them down.
“I’m not worried about anything but passing those tests,” said Jose Ortiz, 40. “This slipped through my fingers before, but it won’t happen again. The rest will work itself out.” gotis@nydailynews.com Latisha Davis: Not looking for special favors
“I took the test in 1999. I was on public assistance and through the WEP program got placed in the FDNY’s recruiting department. The women firefighters really encouraged me to go for it, especially Brenda Berkman. She told me what a great job it is. I was helping the department recruit women to the job, so I thought, ‘Why not me?’ I missed the cutoff by five points. I was so disappointed.
“When I got a package in the mail saying I could try again I was like, ‘Holy cow!’ I figured it was a longshot but I thought you know, I’m getting a second chance, so why not go for it. When I was younger I was worried about the written test and not the physical; now it’s the other way around! But I’m not looking for special favors. I’m here to prove myself. ” Rohan Holt: Opportunity like hitting the lottery
“My score when I took the test in 1999 was an 88, so I passed. But I was told that if you don’t get at least a 90, don’t waste your time. I never got a call back. I was upset about it, but you have to move on. I went to transit and became a bus driver. I thought about it a few times, you know, what if . . .
“I found out I could take the test again when the Vulcans sent me an email. It’s like I won the lottery, in a way — I get a second chance to take better care of my kids, to do more for my family. I was a bus driver for the MTA and just got laid off, so I really need this now. I’m taking it real seriously. I’ve lost 15 pounds and I work out a lot. I’m worried I’m too old for the physical, but this is something I’ve always wanted, so I’ve got to try.” Jose Ortiz: 'Had to fight back tears'
“I was so excited to take the exam in 1999 — it was always my dream to be a firefighter, or a cop. I never heard back from the FDNY. After about three years I moved to New Jersey, but I’d call my mom in the Bronx and say, ‘Did anything come?’ It was always no. I was always hoping, but I had to find work so I got into real estate. I have a lot of friends who are cops and firefighters and it was hard for me . . . I always felt the pull.
“When I got a letter from the Department of Justice telling me I could try again I had to fight back my tears. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to get my hopes up but I decided that I’d make sure I’d do everything possible to pass this written test and then get through the physical. I’m going in like a warrior.” Rich Santos: Single dad vows to give it 100 percent
“I got all the way through in 2002. I passed the written, I passed the physical, but when it came time to do all the checks they found I didn’t have the 30 college credits the FDNY wants. I was upset — it was just one roadblock that stopped me from such a good career.
“I got a phone call out of the blue last year from the DOJ and when I learned about this I was so thrilled. I’m a single dad and I just got laid off. I was like, ‘Wow, this is my shot.’ I’ve been in the gym since I heard and I’m doing nothing but prepping for the written and the physical. I’m going to be 100% for both. Not leaving anything to chance.” Malcolm Flythe: Eating right to be sure he's ready
“I passed the test in 2002 but I didn’t score high enough to get called up and my list ran out. I’d worked really hard at it and it was really my dream to be a firefighter — it’s a great job, and it’s something that will let you build a family, have a good life.
“I was ecstatic when I got a notice in the mail about trying again. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance and nothing is more important to me. I’m working out all the time and I’ve changed what I eat completely. Salads and lean protein, nothing fried. This time I want everything to go right.”
. . . in 1999 and 2002 are getting a rare opportunity take their entrance exams again. . . . and an intense physical fitness test will follow later.
11-13 years older? Don't count on too many getting through that.
Of course, the next court ruling will declare physical requirements to be discriminatory to old, fat people.
Well they should, because it is true. :)
What charges does he face in Sarasota? What is the story here? I actually live in Sarasota.
He was charged with Sexual Harrassment and ruling by threats and vindictiveness. No sexual harrassment in DC yet to my knowledge, but rules by threats and vindictiveness and has busted 3 or 4 good officers for trivial matters and has lost one law suit already for transferring a man for punishment for something slight.
He busted one Battalion Chief Officer for not imposing what the Chief thought the proper amount of punishment in a BS incident the Fire Chief should not even have gotten involved with.Busted a Lieut for wearing a shirt on duty with DCFD on it. White officers of course.
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