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Des Plaines to review hiring criteria for firefighters
The Chicago Tribune recently published an article focusing on a new requirement for aspiring firefighters in Des Plaines. Des Plaines Alderman James Brookman, representing the fifth ward, is advocating for a change in the city's policy, which currently demands that all firefighter candidates possess a paramedic license in order to qualify for employment. During the recent Des Plaines City Council meeting, an amendment was passed allowing the city’s board of fire and police commissioners to establish a minimum passing score for the written portion of the firefighter exam.
Brookman, a former firefighter himself, seized this moment to voice concerns over a longstanding city regulation that requires candidates to hold either an Illinois Department of Public Health-issued paramedic license or a current certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as a paramedic to even sit for the test. He believes that the current stipulation significantly narrows the pool of potential recruits, arguing that the department should focus on hiring the most qualified individuals regardless of their existing credentials and provide necessary training afterward.
Training a candidate without a pre-existing paramedic license typically costs around $60,000 per individual, according to Fire Chief Alan Wax. Prior to 2006, applicants with paramedic licenses were awarded preference points during the recruitment process. However, the Des Plaines Board of Fire and Police Commissioners implemented the licensure prerequisite in August of that year, a decision Chief Wax confirmed during the meeting.
State legislation permits local governments to enforce such licensing prerequisites before candidates can take the exam. Many hopefuls see obtaining the license as advantageous, leading them to pursue it independently. Despite this, Brookman emphasized the importance of bringing diverse skill sets into the department, suggesting that some candidates might lack paramedic licenses yet bring invaluable experience from other fields.
Des Plaines isn’t alone in requiring paramedic licenses for firefighters; Illinois Firefighter’s Association President John Swan noted that numerous municipalities across the state have adopted similar policies due to cost-saving benefits. If a newly hired firefighter fails to obtain a paramedic license after being trained at city expense, both the financial investment and the recruitment process would need to start anew, adding further strain on municipal budgets.
Although Brookman’s stance resonated with Alderwoman Patricia Haugeberg, chairperson of the council’s public safety committee, who agreed to discuss the matter with the board of fire and police commissioners, Board Commissioner Debra Lester requested additional research before making any decisions. She expressed skepticism about resolving the issue with a straightforward yes or no response.
As discussions continue, the upcoming written firefighter exam originally scheduled for mid-September has been postponed, according to Wax.
Thanks, Dan.
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