The Chicago Sun-Times recently covered an article focusing on the rising overtime expenses within the Chicago Fire Department, which has become a critical factor pushing for the administration of a new entrance exam. This marks the first such exam since 2006, scheduled to take place in 2014, though it won't follow the method preferred by Alderman Nick Sposato (36th Ward), a former firefighter himself. Sposato argues that firefighting is inherently a physically demanding role, and hiring should prioritize candidates based on their performance in physical ability tests, provided they pass a basic written exam.
Recalling the past, the process was similar in 1978 and again in 1985 when Sposato himself took the exam, without any subsequent lawsuits arising from these tests. However, the upcoming exam will differ significantly. A pass-fail written test will be administered, followed by randomly ordered selection for hire once candidates qualify. This approach aims to address the urgent need to reduce escalating overtime costs, which have surged from $13.5 million in 2011 to an anticipated $35.3 million in 2014. The exact number of current vacancies remains unclear.
Despite this, Sposato strongly opposes the idea of hiring firefighters through a random draw system. He insists that firefighting is a job where effort and preparation should be rewarded. "Back in 1978 and 1985, those who prepared and trained diligently were prioritized. Those who didn't put in the work ended up waiting longer," he explained.
In his own experience taking the physical ability test in 1985, Sposato admits he didn't prepare adequately. "It took me eight years to get called back because I didn't train properly. Meanwhile, friends who invested time and effort into preparing were selected almost immediately." He advocates for a ranking system based on physical ability, suggesting that candidates should undergo rigorous training over several months and then be ranked accordingly.
City officials seem hesitant to adopt a merit-based physical assessment due to concerns over potential legal challenges. In fact, Chicago recently reached a costly settlement, paying nearly $2 million in compensation along with $1.7 million in legal fees, to settle claims brought by women who were denied firefighter positions due to allegedly discriminatory physical tests. These tests have since been abandoned.
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