* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Young
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Informational Hearing - Fire Department Recruitment Policies
FOR the purpose of requesting that the acting Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department brief the Council on the current hiring processes and recruiting programs the department is utilizing to bring new firefighters onto the force, and the changes, if any, that have taken place in the recruitment qualifications for Fire Department personnel over the last few years.
Body
Recitals
The Baltimore City Fire Department is an agency that is constantly recruiting new members. According to Department literature, the minimum requirements to become a Firefighter or Paramedic Apprentice are that a person must be a high school graduate or in possession of a GED certificate; must be 18 years of age; must complete a written exam, oral interview, and a background investigation; and must undergo a complete medical evaluation and drug screening.
The Baltimore City Fire Department Firefighter Paramedic Apprenticeship Program offers recruits an intensive 3-year training program that combines structured classroom learning with real life on the job training. Candidates selected for the program attend a 21-week "Fire School" that trains and certifies them in courses such as Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Firefighter I and II among others.
Upon successful completion of Fire School, recruits are assigned to fire suppression duties within the Department. Over the next 2.5 years, members will apply the principles and practices they have learned in recruit training. While assigned to fire suppression duties, members begin a 10-month training program that culminates in their being licenced as a Maryland Cardiac Rescue Technician Intermediate. Program members receive 23 college credits for successfully completing the program.
This informational hearing will provide the Council with information on the current programs that the Baltimore City Fire Department is utilizing to bring new recruits into the Department. It is programs like the Fire School Program that will help bring the Baltimore City Fire Department into the future and provide the best possible training programs for its recruits. This hearing will allow the Department to update the Council on its ongoing work, as well as provide an opportunity to get the word out to constituents that these programs are available to them. Hopefully with everyone properly informed, the Fire Department can work to benefit the Department and the citizens of Baltimore City, as they seek out the next generation of brave and bright individuals who will help to keep our City safe for years to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the acting Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department is requested to brief the Council on the current hiring processes and recruiting programs the Department is utilizing to bring new firefighters onto the force, and the changes, if any, that have taken place in the recruitment qualifications for Fire Department personnel over the last few years.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council.
dlr08-0142~intro/27Feb08
ccres/FireRec:af
dlr08-0142~intro/27Feb08
- 2 -
ccres/FireRec:af