Officer selection.....
I am aware that this is not just a problem in my call department, and thought that I would ask for some opinion on it.
When there is an officer's position open in my department, the position is posted for "all who wish to apply". There are minimal prerequisites to apply for the job that are easily obtained by the majority of firefighters.
Word around the firehouse or scuttlebutt is always hard to contain, as we all know, and usually the Chief's preferred selection (before resumes are even in) is being talked about.
Now, After weeks of filling in for officers on calls, to be "observed".....a selection is finally made....but first I'll list the candidates for you:
1. Moderate amount of experience, moderate certification & training
2. Moderate amount of experience, large amount of certifications & training
3. Moderate amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate amount of training
4. Minimal amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate training
5. Minimal amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate training
6. Minimal amount of experience, no certification, minimal training
Now, there was NO interview process what-so-ever....which was a shock to those who were applying for the position. Let me repeat that...NO interview process at all!
#5 received the officer's appointment. #5 has very little experience in the fire department, and virtually none on the fireground. They also do not have any pertinent certifications (aside from basic FF and EMT). #1, #2, and #3 all seem to be better candidates.
So....how did #5 receive the appointment? The word in the firehouse....and the probable truth (I won't say definite, because nobody except the Chief knows for sure) is that the newly appointed officer is a friend of the Chief's family! The friend part is a definite, the reason for appointing....who can say....but it looks bad.
So.....here is my question: How does a group of firefighters, who are sick of the "good 'ol boys club" running the show, make a positive change in the promotional practices of it's fire department?
Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, Thank you.
I am aware that this is not just a problem in my call department, and thought that I would ask for some opinion on it.
When there is an officer's position open in my department, the position is posted for "all who wish to apply". There are minimal prerequisites to apply for the job that are easily obtained by the majority of firefighters.
Word around the firehouse or scuttlebutt is always hard to contain, as we all know, and usually the Chief's preferred selection (before resumes are even in) is being talked about.
Now, After weeks of filling in for officers on calls, to be "observed".....a selection is finally made....but first I'll list the candidates for you:
1. Moderate amount of experience, moderate certification & training
2. Moderate amount of experience, large amount of certifications & training
3. Moderate amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate amount of training
4. Minimal amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate training
5. Minimal amount of experience, minimal certification, moderate training
6. Minimal amount of experience, no certification, minimal training
Now, there was NO interview process what-so-ever....which was a shock to those who were applying for the position. Let me repeat that...NO interview process at all!
#5 received the officer's appointment. #5 has very little experience in the fire department, and virtually none on the fireground. They also do not have any pertinent certifications (aside from basic FF and EMT). #1, #2, and #3 all seem to be better candidates.
So....how did #5 receive the appointment? The word in the firehouse....and the probable truth (I won't say definite, because nobody except the Chief knows for sure) is that the newly appointed officer is a friend of the Chief's family! The friend part is a definite, the reason for appointing....who can say....but it looks bad.
So.....here is my question: How does a group of firefighters, who are sick of the "good 'ol boys club" running the show, make a positive change in the promotional practices of it's fire department?
Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, Thank you.
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