FDNY Exam Credit Being Considered For City Grads
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The City Council is looking to make it easier for New Yorkers to join the fire department.
Council members held a hearing Monday on an amendment to give an eight point credit on the firefighters entrance exam to those who graduate from a city high school.
Legislators and minority members of the FDNY say they are looking to not only increase the number of native New Yorkers who work for the fire department, but also the number of non-white applicants.
Minority firefighters have long complained of a lack of diversity in the department. And other critics say too many firefighters live outside the city limits.
They say the amendment is a positive step toward making sure the fire department reflects the city it protects.
"It's a legitimate, practical and common sense solution to addressing diversity issues within the FDNY," said City Councilman Leroy Comrie.
"We're not sure how the administration is going to react to this but if there's broad support among the people and support within the council we can get this done to the benefit of all New York City residents," said Former Vulcan Society President Paul Washington.
The bill is supported by FDNY advocacy groups for Hispanic and African-American members.