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03-26-2016, 09:36 AM
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Location: Brooklyn NY
107 posts, read 183,795 times
Reputation: 129
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I've been in and around this city for 13 years and though I don't know any firefighters personally, it has always struck me that the department is a bastion of old-school white dudes. I'm just curious as to how/why this is the case. Every engine I've ever seen is full of white guys, most looking pure-bred Irish. The other day, I actually saw a black engineer at the wheel and I thought to myself, "Oh my god, that firefighter is not white and they are letting him drive the truck!"
At a time when NYC demographics have never been more diverse, and less white, the FDNY seems like an anomaly. I can't think of another city agency that is so monochromatic.
Is there something in the selection process that deters applicants of color?
For whatever it's worth they also seem incredibly happy--polite, making jokes, being uncharacteristically courteous and holding open the door at Starbucks for old ladies in a me-me-me city. They are probably not like this when running into burning buildings, but, hey, maybe they are!
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
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03-26-2016, 10:12 AM
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353 posts, read 449,909 times
Reputation: 297
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Oh Boy...
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03-26-2016, 10:21 AM
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Location: New Jersey and hating it
11,465 posts, read 6,113,452 times
Reputation: 15697
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It's an inter-generational job. Most of them have fathers and grandfathers and great grand fathers that were FDNY.
We should be thankful we get such great and wonderful workforce willing to sacrifice their own lives for others, which not everyone is willing or even able to do.
When you are in a burning building, trust me, you won't care about them being white.
It's one of those few departments that if they ever ask for raises, I would never have a problem with that, as opposed to some other government entity (I'm looking at you slimy City Council) that just gave themselves a big raise.
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03-26-2016, 10:22 AM
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30,339 posts, read 43,519,289 times
Reputation: 12866
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FWIW, I chose to be a fireman for career day in first grade
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03-26-2016, 11:04 AM
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1,998 posts, read 1,745,507 times
Reputation: 1233
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Quote:
Originally Posted by antinimby
It's one of those few departments that if they ever ask for raises, I would never have a problem with that, as opposed to some other government entity (I'm looking at you slimy City Council) that just gave themselves a big raise.
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NPR did a podcast discussing what a firefighter is worth, long story short they are drastically overpaid for the services they provide. This day and age, they are not enough fires to justify the cost. Many firefighters operate as overpaid EMT workers now a days.
Episode 424: How Much Is A Firefighter Worth? : Planet Money : NPR |
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03-26-2016, 11:24 AM
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Location: Gods country
7,749 posts, read 6,007,170 times
Reputation: 9949
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NYer23
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Firefighters aren't paid for what they do. They are paid for what they might have to do. |
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03-26-2016, 11:24 AM
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6,682 posts, read 7,652,396 times
Reputation: 4859
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NYer23
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I'd rather have firefighters around then risk them not be and there being a fire.
Maybe there don't get many fire calls anymore but it takes just one fire that they risk their lives for that makes me able to be ok with their salaries.
Think of it like insurance. Its something you pay into, just in case.
Also I was around for 9-11. Knew firefighters, men who went into that building knew odds of coming out were not with them. So to argue they don't deserve their salary is bs to me. |
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03-26-2016, 12:09 PM
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4,989 posts, read 7,904,412 times
Reputation: 4539
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Oh cool, this thread again. I guess it needs to be done semi-annually? This has been discussed ad nauseam on here. Read through this thread to see all of what are most likely your pre-conceived thoughts and feelings on the matter being decimated by myself and a couple of others. Because I am honestly too lazy to get into right now:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-y...pt-hiring.html
Quote:
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At a time when NYC demographics have never been more diverse, and less white, the FDNY seems like an anomaly. I can't think of another city agency that is so monochromatic.
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Simply look to the Dept of Corrections as just one example. But I am sure you don't care to discuss that... |
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03-26-2016, 12:14 PM
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Location: Glendale NY
4,841 posts, read 9,457,281 times
Reputation: 3589
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Because they are all a bunch of evil, vile, racist, KKK, nazis, skinhead Hitlers.
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03-26-2016, 12:34 PM
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Location: New York, NY
3,672 posts, read 2,437,648 times
Reputation: 4632
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"cause dey raisis!"
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