MIAMI, Fla. --Patience and persistence are about to pay off for the hundreds of men and women who spent the weekend camped out in front of the City of Miami's administration building to be the first to file an application to become one of the city's newest firefighters.
Miami Fire-Rescue has said that they will accept the first 750 applications. The department has 35 open positions.
Braving the weekend's chilly nighttime temperatures many of those like Alejandro Valdez who sprawled in chairs or lounged like in sleeping bags at 444 Southwest 2nd Avenue said they camped out to make sure they were one of the first ones to go through the application process when the administration building's doors opened Monday morning.
Valdez, who was first in line, said he staked out his spot around 5 a.m. on Saturday and braved overnight temperatures in the low 50's.
"It was very cold it was very cold we were actually freezing," said Valdez. "You know whatever it takes to get it done."
Malcolm Davis, a barber by trade, said he's always wanted to be a firefighter.
"It started when I was a little boy, I always dreamed of being a fireman. I think the job really consists of caring for the people. I believe that you really have to care for the people to pursue this job. It's not about putting out people's house because they are burning down; it's not about the title, it's about the people," said Davis.
Many came prepared with coolers, food, blankets, tents, generators and televisions to watch the Super Bowl, holding a mini-party of their own.
"I think that it's almost a call for help," said Aszurdee Jeff, a recent Florida State graduate. "Desperation you know being that the economy is not stable. It's a lot of people that really want the stability."
"It's really bad," said Ruben Ramos. "That's why everyone is out here trying to get a job. I just got laid off, so I'm here to get a job."
Anyone who applies must be a resident of Miami-Dade County. Spokesman Ignatius Carroll said this is the first time they've seen so many people line up 48 hours in advance to apply for a job; but with a starting salary at $47 thousand, it's no surprise that people are lining up.
Republished with permission of WFOR-TV.
