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Title:
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Resolution calling for changes to be implemented concerning the grading process and exam prerequisites for Firefighter Exam Number 7029 in an effort to increase racial diversity in the New York City Fire Department.
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Res. No. 1340
Title
Resolution calling for changes to be implemented concerning the grading process and exam prerequisites for Firefighter Exam Number 7029 in an effort to increase racial diversity in the New York City Fire Department.
Body
By Council Members Espada, Henry, Linares and Quinn; also Council Members Lasher, Reed, Rivera, Robinson and Rodriguez
Whereas, The New York City Fire Department is the least racially diverse fire department in any major city in the United States and the least diverse agency in the City; and
Whereas, Despite a minority recruitment drive in 1994, the Fire Department is still comprised of almost 94% white firefighters and made up of only approximately 3% black, 2.8% Latino and 0.2% Asian firefighters; and
Whereas, Notwithstanding the Fire Department's efforts to increase minority recruitment, the number of black firefighters has actually decreased from approximately 6% of the force roughly a decade ago; and
Whereas, The current racial composition of the Fire Department fails to come close to reflecting the diversity of New York City, which has a population that is approximately 25% black, 28% Latino and 9% Asian; and
Whereas, Under the rules set up for Firefighter Exam Number 7029, which was administered in February 1999, applicants were given until August 1999 to establish residency to receive a five point City Residency Credit; and
Whereas, Applying the City Residency Credit as of February 1999 would result in a more accurate identification of true City residents, and thus, benefit minority applicants, who reside predominantly in the City; and
Whereas, Currently, a firefighter applicant must complete Certified First Responder Defibrillator ("CFR-D") training prior to appointment as a firefighter and must satisfy this requirement at his or her own expense, even though such training does not guarantee that they will be hired by the Fire Department; and
Whereas, Requiring CFR-D training represents a financial hardship, which deters many individuals from taking the firefighter exam; and
Whereas, Allowing candidates to complete this training during the Fire Academy would remove this unnecessary impediment and increase diversity; and
Whereas, the Fire Department currently requires that firefighter candidates complete 30 college credits prior to appointment; and
Whereas, Allowing candidates to sign a promissory agreement indicating that they will complete the college credit requirement within the first five years of their firefighter career would effectively increase the number of worthy minority candidates who would be able to pursue a firefighter career; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls for changes to be implemented concerning the grading process and exam prerequisites for Firefighter Exam Number 7029 in an effort to increase racial diversity in the New York City Fire Department.
LS# 3012