Future with FDNY?

[ATRAINX]

I took the written last Dec. and got a 100. I feel Did the same for the physical in Aug. and now currently awaiting for a piece of mail to start the rest of my life. The elligible list and 2005 is creeping up and mind is cramming up. Anyways to the point. I have currently been with the Houston Fire Dept. for over 3 yrs now and have a promotional test in a few months. The retirement in Houston is unamatched anywhere with a 10 yr drop. Im willing to leave everything to follow my dream yet I know nothing about FDNY promotional system, retirement options, work schedule, pay increase, not to mention how long till I would actually get hired , etc. Dont get me wrong FDNY has been my dream forever, but these are all factors I have to consider. And say I aced the physical my score would be 100 right? Where does that place me on the hiring list with possible 115s out there? How long would that be. Any Info, advice, web adresses etc. would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!

[martinez24]

ATRAINX:

Hey buddy. Yeah, we're all in this same boat of waiting, and it's really a bit frustrating. My advice, not being on ANY paid department is to take the promotion test in the meantime and see where that puts you a year from now.

I'll leave the other question about how promotions and stuff work for FDNY for someone more in the know on the subject. But one unsolicitted observation -- As I've learned, sometimes dreams change, and that's not always a bad thing. Right now, my trying to get on FDNY is a big change in life, direction, finances, etc. and it's a good change. Seeing what opportunities could become available in Houston could work out well for you. Good Luck with whatever you decide, and if you end up in NY, hope to see you on the job

Jim

[ATRAINX]

Hey Jim! Thanks for the advice. Your right about how dreams change because Houston became that dream when New York just seemed unatainable. Then last Dec. a test popped up and things started rolling. I have awesome job with Houston and a great future here but I dont want to look back 20 yrs from now with regret and say what if? Anyways I got alot of thinking to do, and some time to do it. But I appreciate your insight and will keep posting if I hear anything. Thanks again.

[firefiftyfive]

Hey ATrain!
First of all if you got a 100 on both the written and the physical you are deffinetly in the running. My Question to you is do you have any extra points awarded to you for being on a paid department already. Because I know the FDNY gives 5 points to people who live in the 5 boroughs and to men that Served in the military during combat ie: Veterans credits. There are some other ways to get credit as well. if you get 5 points on top of 100 and 100 you are guaranteed to be in one of the first classes, if not THE first. But even if you don't get the extra points a perfect score will still get you on the job within a few years. But everything is all relative, I'm sure I don't have to tell you but it all depends on how everyone else did on the test. I know the test average was only a 91%. Actually you are one of the only 100's Ive heard of on the written.
But like martinez24 said; we are all still waiting to get our scores back. I took my physical back in the 1st week of August so there is no telling when we will get our scores. However I do know that the last physical tests were given the week before thanksgiving.

As for moving up here and being a firefighter you will probablly take a pay cut. I don't know how much you make in Houston but starting pay for a FF in ny is 34k and change. Plus, as far as I know, it costs quite a bit more to live up here in the Northeast then it does in the south; correct me if I'm wrong Anyways Goodluck

[UsingAllHands]

Originally posted by ATRAINX
pay increase,


Hahahaha....probobly not, bro. Just about everyone I know that came on this job from all walks of life took a pay cut to take the job.

But we are rich in other ways. It's worth the financial struggle, IMHO.

[UsingAllHands]

Originally posted by ATRAINX
pay increase,


Hahahaha....probobly not, bro. Just about everyone I know that came on this job from all walks of life took a pay cut to take the job.

But we are rich in other ways. It's worth the financial struggle, IMHO.

[FRO516BMX]

hey all hands, what company are you with? (if you dont mind me asking)

[FDNYhopeful]

Does anyone know how far down on the list the 7029 list is going? I completed all of my required parts, and keep hearing the same thing next class, next class. I was just wondering if anyone knew?

[firefiftyfive]

Go to this web site pal... www.nyc.gov then go to the fire department and employment. They have a tenative list of how many guys they are taking and when the next lists are going to be started. As of a few months ago I think they have used something like 2,400 guys from the list

[FRO516BMX]

for anyone whos waiting for the new list, i heard today from a friend that the city is putting in 2 more classes with the old list, lie it says on the city web site, and that they are going to start calling guys from the new list in september. also, theres a high possibility that we wont be getting our grades/list numbers until sometime in the SUMMER...unbelieveable, i know but thats what ive been told, b/c they want to finish up everything with the old list first before they move on to the next one, and the last class goes in in may so everything sounds correct....just spreadin the word....good luck to everyone in waiting...hopefully ill see you all on the job one day

[FDNYhopeful]

There is another class after the may class that will belate aug/sept. from the 7029 test, they're only calling guys from the new test in september to start the process(which takes forever!) - good luck

[ATRAINX]

Originally posted by UsingAllHands



Hahahaha....probobly not, bro. Just about everyone I know that came on this job from all walks of life took a pay cut to take the job.

But we are rich in other ways. It's worth the financial struggle, IMHO.

[ATRAINX]

[Well I screwed that up! This reply is for UsingAllHands.}

I know exactly what you mean with "rich in other ways" Everyone I know says I have the best life and the greatest job! My question of "pay increase" is in regards to step increases from 1st yr ff to 2nd yr and so on. Also top out pay for certain ranks and time in rank before promotion eligibility etc, etc.. Just to name a few. Im fully aware of the "finacial pay cut" but thats not what im all about, just factor in the equation of my life! Any info from anyone on these topics would be greatly appreciated.

ATRAINX
adkhfd@hotmail.com

check out these HFD sites
www.station46.com
www.houstonfire.com
www.houstonfirefighter.com
www.firehouse51.com
www.fouralarmphotos.com

[martinez24]

Hey Guys

Just wondering if anyone else heard what FRO516BMX posted? The stuff about hiring two more classes from the old list I had heard, but not getting any notification till the summer was new. The only reason that would seem to be false is that I thought they had to do background checks and medicals in order to make the new list. Considering how they seem to be getting tough with that -- especially with the article in the NY Post the other day about looking out for people lying about residency, I would think they would have to start sooner than the summer?

Also, where did you hear the average for the test was 91%? I got a 99 with one wrong, and took my physical test the third week of August. From calculations, I figured about 3-4,000 people were ahead of me. Also, I was curious what the pass rate was for the physical. Not to spread false information (if it is false) but I was told something like 40% don't pass the physical?

At any rate, it's a bit frustrating not getting any info, even to confirm if I did get a 100 on the physical test. I'm pretty confident that I did, but would like to see it in black and white, especially when we know something like 14,000 people passed the written test.

Keep well guys -- Jim

[FDNYhopeful]

They don't need to do the background part of your investigation to establish the list numbers, they do that in list number order, but know that people are really getting tough on the residency rule (its about time) they may be doing that 1st. If you think its fustrating now? what until you get assigned an investigator who NEVER tell's you anything and loose's some of your paperwork... HA! then you'll be getting fustrated on a daily basis. TRUST ME! P.S. I have a "friend: that works for DCAS i'll see if I can get anything out of him about that summer thing... GOOD LUCK!

[martinez24]

FDNY Hopeful:

Thanks for your info, and any info from your "friend" would be appreciated as well, since trying to get someone on the phone at DCAS seems to be pretty difficult. The last three times I called over the last 5 months, I've gotten three different answers to my questions.

Good Luck to you as well.

Jim

[FDNYhopeful]

Ok, sorry I took so long to get back to you, I was a little busy the past few days. I spoke to my friend at D.C.A.S. - As far as he knows the list is going to be established like the web site says. End of 2004 beginning of 2005, and as far as when the list numbers and scores will sent out, he really isnt sure but he told me he would find out as much as he could. keep patient it WILL happen

[martinez24]

FDNY hopeful --

Thanks for the update, it's appreciated. Even if we have to wait a while for the list to be established, I hope we at least get the results sometime soon.

Take it easy,
Jim

martinez24@comcast.net

[Muttly92094]

YO! - I just spoke to my investigator, she told me that the "NEW" list 2043 will be established for the MAY 2004 class. It is going to run in conjunction with the list 7029...... So good luck to those of you that are in the upper 100 of the new test....... As far as the scores and list numbers - she told me she had no clue when they are going out but im sure that if they are going to hire you you'll be getting a letter w/ your list number and the rest of the information with it... Its a LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS trust me - I just finished mine....

[firefiftyfive]

Originally posted by Muttly92094
YO! - I just spoke to my investigator, she told me that the "NEW" list 2043 will be established for the MAY 2004 class. It is going to run in conjunction with the list 7029...... So good luck to those of you that are in the upper 100 of the new test....... As far as the scores and list numbers - she told me she had no clue when they are going out but im sure that if they are going to hire you you'll be getting a letter w/ your list number and the rest of the information with it... Its a LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS trust me - I just finished mine....

So let me get this... You have already been interviewed and investigated by your investigator but you don't know your list# or physical score. This does not sound right to me, I am a little leary of your post. Maybe because I don't want to get myself excited about our list gettting underway and then finding out your wrong..Can you maybe clarify your self a little bit.

So I guess you are in the top 100 guys then too. So you got a 100 on both written and physical?

[FFFRED]

First, Good Luck to you all.

Second be very suspicious of anything posted on the internet or what a friends friend told you. For list 7092 there was a bboard web page that had more BS then a cattle ranch.

As for the brother from Houston: My question of "pay increase" is in regards to step increases from 1st yr ff to 2nd yr and so on. Also top out pay for certain ranks and time in rank before promotion eligibility etc, etc.. Just to name a few. Im fully aware of the "finacial pay cut" but thats not what im all about, just factor in the equation of my life! Any info from anyone on these topics would be greatly appreciated.

Greatly abriviated here goes:
will all the extras thrown in:
Probie =$42,564
5th Grade=$47,581
4th Grade=$49,758
3rd Grade=$52,090
2nd Grade=$54,479
1st Grade=$67,754
10yrs+1000
15yrs+1000
20yrs+1000

The greatest thing about the promotional system here is as you have noticed it is the most unbiased system there is. You pass the test and have the highest scores..you get hired or promoted. No Bull S#@% interviews where some chief determines whether you are the "right person" for promotion. It is all based on knowing the Procedures and Policies of the FDNY. Lt's and Capts tests are focused more on tactical issues and Batt Chiefs and highter start to ask more strategic and administrative questions.

You can take the test after 3 years on the job. Cop time counts so if you spent 3 years as a cop and you completed your year long FD probation you can take the test begining after one year. And you make the same pay if you transfer from the cops.

They award no points for other FD experience. We do not care what you did before or what classes you took...You got 30 college hours? Your list number comes up. (as long as you aren't crazy or a criminal) you are hired. It is that simple.

How long??? Who knows that depends on alot of things. You won't see classes of 300+ anymore. The rate of hiring will slow down. It could take you 4 years or more to get hired. Consider that into your decision.

Retirement is 50% at 20years....and if god forbid you are injured and must retire you get 3/4s your pay tax free.

From my point of view it was the best decision I ever made.

Best of luck to all of you.

FTM-PTB

[Muttly92094]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Muttly92094
YO! - I just spoke to my investigator, she told me that the "NEW" list 2043 will be established for the MAY 2004 class. It is going to run in conjunction with the list 7029...... So good luck to those of you that are in the upper 100 of the new test....... As far as the scores and list numbers - she told me she had no clue when they are going out but im sure that if they are going to hire you you'll be getting a letter w/ your list number and the rest of the information with it... Its a LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS trust me - I just finished mine....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
firefiftyfive WROTE:




So let me get this... You have already been interviewed and investigated by your investigator but you don't know your list# or physical score. This does not sound right to me, I am a little leary of your post. Maybe because I don't want to get myself excited about our list gettting underway and then finding out your wrong..Can you maybe clarify your self a little bit.

So I guess you are in the top 100 guys then too. So you got a 100 on both written and physical?


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok now let me clarify this for you:

I am on the 7029 test list, I finished my investigation for THAT test, I also took the December test #2043. My investigator gave me this information today and I thought it would be nice to share that with the rest of you, because I know how fustrating it is to NOT hear anything... sorry. P.S. - I do not know my list number from the 2043 test yet because they have not been sent out. People who are at the TOP of THAT list will probably get theirs 1st. (i.e. Res. credit, Vetrans credit + 100 on the written and physical = 110.00) sorry!

[firefiftyfive]

oooooo I gotcha... thankyou for clearing that up Muttly. After reading your other post I guess I thought you were on list 2043. Thanks for the new information man. Hope to see you around!! Good luck.

[martinez24]

Hey guys -- just thought I'd drop a couple quick lines.

First off, FFFRED -- thanks for your input. Hopefully, we'll be seeing you on the job soon. The thought of being a member of the FDNY just feels like the best decision I could make for my life right now, so I hope to be there (sooner rather than later...)

firefiftyfive -- as soon as I read your post, I knew you probably missed that Muttly92094 was talking about the fact that he took the test for list #7029. I guess we're all a bit high strung and frustrated right now. Muttly -- I'm sure we all appreciate your input -- between you and FFFRED, that's the most info I've gotten in months (in fact since AUGUST when I took the physical test). I know how frustrated I get each week with no mail AT ALL , not even the "recruitment newsletter" they sent once or twice to keep us posted. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

Anyhow guys -- like I've said before, hopefully there will be a FDNY good news thread soon...

Take it easy

Jim

martinez24@comcast.net

[ffbam24]

Muttly92094

What can you tell about the background investigation?
What kind of things do they look into?
What can you tell about the rest of the process?
Does your friend at DCAS have any other insight like when the medical and psych may be (rough ballpark) prior to the May Class?

Thanks,
bam

[Muttly92094]

They pretty much check all of your background, W2's, drivers license, Credit, bank loans, workers compensation claims. Make sure that you have proper documentation such as: EMT/CFR cards, accident reports, letters from your insurance company ( if they ask ). As far as the rest of the process, you have to take a medical, and 2 psycholgical exams one oral and 2 written, other then it's just paper work, paper work and MORE paper work... Good luck