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Firefighter John Coombs spoke to prospective FDNY recruits in Northern Manhattan about the benefits and rewards of a career with the department during a recruitment event held last week in Washington Heights.
About a dozen Northern Manhattan residents attended a recruitment event held last week on Mon. Aug 22nd, organized by the Hispanic Society, the Fire Department of New York, and the Office of Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.
Young men and women, mostly in their 20’s listened as firefighter John Coombs spoke about the privilege, opportunity, and success that awaited those interested in joining the department at a time when the institution is looking for increased diversity.
“This is the time to benefit from this career. It will provide you with a great opportunity to serve this community, and better yourself as an individual with a career that offers growth,” said firefighter John Coombs, who is also president of the Vulcan Society.
During the event, FDNY staff was present to help low-income residents obtain a waiver to avoid the $75 application fee, and to explain the sign up process, including the civil service exam, physical requirements, and the timelines between signing up to take the test and being hired by the department.
“A job with the FDNY is a dream job, a chance to serve your community, be paid well, and receive great benefits. Unfortunately only 9% of our fire department is not white, a number which hardly reflects the composition of our city,” said Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.
Robert Panos, 19, present at the meeting, had just finished submitting his application to take the test that evening. “I hope to be of service and advance myself by helping others. Joining the fire department has been at the top of my career list, and I know I can benefit from this,” said Panos, a resident of Washington Heights who said he looked forward to taking the test and eventually joining the department.
There will be another recruitment event on Mon., Sept 12th at the C.L.O.T.H. Technology Center, located at 2113 Amsterdam Ave, near West 165th Street.
The deadline for signing up for the FDNY exam is Sept. 15th.
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