Philadelphia 2011

[NorfPhilly]

How will the city's take on the arbitration award affect the upcoming classes? There are talks of closing an engine and ladder company, with additional down sizing to be considered as well....

If this talk is true, will the academy classes even be processsed? I hope to god that they are, but I don't want to see the rug pulled out from under 160 new candidates. Especially considering the department is already short, and there are tons of guys in the DROP

[BigGriffC12]

How will the city's take on the arbitration award affect the upcoming classes? There are talks of closing an engine and ladder company, with additional down sizing to be considered as well....

If this talk is true, will the academy classes even be processsed? I hope to god that they are, but I don't want to see the rug pulled out from under 160 new candidates. Especially considering the department is already short, and there are tons of guys in the DROP

That is a good question, I was actually about to ask it myself. The other forum that I follow, some of the guys on there can't understand why the class(s) will be put through if they want to lay off like 100 guys? and close houses...

The article I read says that the likely hood of the 5 year plan will not pass so I'm not shaking in my boots over it, but still, its scary to think that some of us might either make it alll the way through processing and then not get hired..or get hired, move our lives to the city, and then get laid off when that "funding to hire vets" runs dry and they have too many people to pay and not enough money to do it with..

Why doesn't the city apply for SAFER grants? it seems like every other city is getting millions of dollars in grant money to pay for manpower?

I'm hoping someone on the job can give us some better insight..I really don't understand this at all other then reading the article.

This is really, really scary..being this close and seeing how it might not come through.

[FWDbuff]

IF and thats a BIG IF any of these layoffs happen, IMO it will be through attrition. There are enough guys waiting to get out now via DROP (not to mention the currently vacant spots) that I honestly think you guys waiting to get in the door dont have anything to worry about. The Mayor is like a little child right now- he is so ****ed off and such a whiney little bitchy girl that he will say just about anything in order to get his way, or to scare the schit out of people (to get his way.) I dont think you have anything to worry about.

[BigGriffC12]

IF and thats a BIG IF any of these layoffs happen, IMO it will be through attrition. There are enough guys waiting to get out now via DROP (not to mention the currently vacant spots) that I honestly think you guys waiting to get in the door dont have anything to worry about. The Mayor is like a little child right now- he is so ****ed off and such a whiney little bitchy girl that he will say just about anything in order to get his way, or to scare the schit out of people (to get his way.) I dont think you have anything to worry about.

Can you define "DROP" I've seen that a lot lately..

[Getmeouttahere]

Hey,
Quick question about the physical. When I had my meeting with HR the very helpful woman mentioned something about a TB test. I think she said that you need to come back in 2-3 days to have your test results read (skin test). She said if you live out of the area you can bring test results from within a year.
I don't have results from within a year and won't be able to obtain them before the physical.
Looking through the infection control booklet, it looks like you can decline the TB test.

Does anyone who's had the physical know anything about this?

If I have to drive the 3-4 hours back to philly I'll certainly do it but it'd be nice not to have to. I tried to call the number on the booklet and the voicemail box is full.

THANKS.

[BigGriffC12]

Hey,
Quick question about the physical. When I had my meeting with HR the very helpful woman mentioned something about a TB test. I think she said that you need to come back in 2-3 days to have your test results read (skin test). She said if you live out of the area you can bring test results from within a year.
I don't have results from within a year and won't be able to obtain them before the physical.
Looking through the infection control booklet, it looks like you can decline the TB test.

Does anyone who's had the physical know anything about this?

If I have to drive the 3-4 hours back to philly I'll certainly do it but it'd be nice not to have to. I tried to call the number on the booklet and the voicemail box is full.

THANKS.

I think we're in the same boat..I got the TB test after each deployment (3) never tested positive and my last TB test was late 2009. I'm under the impression that if you decline something then that may hold you back from being hired? I don't know. Personally, like yourself, I'd rather drive an extra time or 2 for the job then decline and get passed over.

I had a question also..if you can't recall shot dates does that mean that you need to get everything listed? because honestly, I don't know half of my shot dates and don't know if I can get them/find them. I was going to call but since the voice mail box is full...doesn't make me feel confident at all..

[unbroken136]

Hey,
Quick question about the physical. When I had my meeting with HR the very helpful woman mentioned something about a TB test. I think she said that you need to come back in 2-3 days to have your test results read (skin test). She said if you live out of the area you can bring test results from within a year.
I don't have results from within a year and won't be able to obtain them before the physical.
Looking through the infection control booklet, it looks like you can decline the TB test.

Does anyone who's had the physical know anything about this?

If I have to drive the 3-4 hours back to philly I'll certainly do it but it'd be nice not to have to. I tried to call the number on the booklet and the voicemail box is full.

THANKS.

Another option: get the TB test down in Philly, then make an appointment 3 days later with your family doctor. The doctor or RN can read the test and fax back to 19th and fairmount. This is what I was suggested. In fact, I had my medical on Friday and I'm sitting in my docs waiting room as I write this. And I'm going to have them fax it out soon as I'm finished. Ask them about it when you take your medical.

[choadload]

Anybody know any numbers. Like how many failed to make it to orientation, how many failed to get the booklet in on time, how many failed background check, how many did not show up to interviews, or failed to show up to medical ?.....just trying to figure out how I'm looking. Ranked 1230 but I'm a vet. And medical on the 22.

[BigGriffC12]

Anybody know any numbers. Like how many failed to make it to orientation, how many failed to get the booklet in on time, how many failed background check, how many did not show up to interviews, or failed to show up to medical ?.....just trying to figure out how I'm looking. Ranked 1230 but I'm a vet. And medical on the 22.

I've been trying to get the same info, I guess they don't make that kind of number known..I know on my orientation date there was 2-3 empty seats in my area of the room, didn't look around too hard but figured a couple more no-shows, and someone mentioned that the 29th orientation had a few no shows and late shows who got booted..

If your looking for more info, check out Phillyfirenews.com they have a forum thread dedicated to these 2 classes..maybe someone might post something on there too...can't hurt to look.

Btw..did you interview Aug 1st in the morning?

[choadload]

Yeah Aug 1st....I called hr and asked them if medical being after the 17 meant anything and she said no .

[BigGriffC12]

Yeah Aug 1st....I called hr and asked them if medical being after the 17 meant anything and she said no .

I interviewed august 1st in the AM as well...I had the red tie on..

[deadbear271]

I interviewed July 27th and still no medical letter

[unbroken136]

I interviewed July 27th and still no medical letter

Did you get an infection control packet?

[deadbear271]

Yes ... just waiting for my letter

[Big wil]

Yes ... just waiting for my letter

Hey man I would call personnel -today-I received my letter less than a week after My interview. Call

[Steveoak13]

Any non-vets out there have their interview?

[NorfPhilly]

Any non-vets out there have their interview?

I did the first week of August

[BigGriffC12]

Any new news, rumors? gotten real quiet around here.

[NorfPhilly]

Needless to say, getting fitted for gear may have been one of the best experiences thus far

[deadbear271]

Am I the only one yet to recieve a med letter? All HR tells me is all the letters aren't out yet.