Results of the 2007 Firefighter exam show more minorities and women passing the test than ever before. The city expects this will mean an unprecedented increase in the hiring of minority and female firefighters in 2008. The Fire Department has been actively recruiting a more diverse group of applicants.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Scoppetta, as well as other FDNY officials announce the results of this year’s firefighter exam.

Minorities represented 38 percent of those passing the exam, which was given last January. There was also a 50 percent increase in the number of women passing the test.

“These impressive results show that people of all backgrounds want to study and train hard to become a New York City firefighter- a great job with great benefits,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a press release.

Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Martha Hirst announced the results on November 27. “More minority candidates have taken this year’s written firefighter test than any other previous test for the position,” Commissioner Hirst said in the press release. “The firefighter exam is highly competitive, but anyone willing to dedicate the time to study and prepare can succeed.”

Filed under: On the Fire Side