The fire department in the city of Dayton instituted the Fire Apprentice Program, steered at Sinclair Community College with the aim of increasing female and minority firefighters. Under the Diversity Plan, female members of the department were 6% while the minority made up only 5%. Upon successful completion, preference points would be offered to graduates on the firefighter entrance examination. Following the competitive examination on September 13, 2002 to recruit firefighters, some members of the Fire Apprentice Program comprised part of the candidates (Bennett, 2008). Therefore, Local 136 of the IAFF and the Fraternal Order of Police presented a suit before the Ohio Court of Common, pursuing a court order against the added points program as well as an injunction to prohibit the award of the points. However, considering that the gained experience from the program may be immeasurable by oral, written, or performance examination, the Ohio Court Supreme Court established that upon successful completion of the program, such individuals need to obtain some credit when contending for a position with the Fire Department.
Aside from the Fire Apprentice Program, it may be possible for the fire department in the city of Dayton to commence a mentorship program. The program will offer minority and female individuals opportunities to spend weekend at the fire academy. The participants will gain introductory lessons and hands on experience in the line of a firefighter (National Fire Association, 2008). Another strategy may involve engagement through the social media to communicate openings on informational meetings regarding the fire department. It will also facilitate audience interaction and bridge the gap between interested parties and actual participants.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
In conclusion, the suit by Local 136 of the IAFF Versus the City of Dalton resulted in an injunction before the Ohio Court of Common. However, upon appeal, the Ohio Court Supreme Court underlined that the program did not violate the law. That its purpose is to expand its reach within the population of the city, ensuring that both male and female as well as members of all racial groups gain opportunities to pursue employment with the fire department. It does not specify that the Fire Apprentice Program works exclusively for, or makes preference on women or minorities.
References
Bennett, L. T. (2008). Fire service law . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
National Fire Association. (2008). Standards for firefighter professional qualifications . Retrieved April 13, 2018. http://www.nfpa.org/AboutTheCodes.asp ?
