Over the last 30 years I have been coaching entry level and promotional
candidates most of which had great credentials. They had degrees,
certificates, training, and experience. Yet, they couldn't present the
package. And, if you can present the package . . . you don't get the
badge. Period! These people are shocked that candidates will less
credentials, seniority, the village idiot, or guys they call the "Car
Salesman" type get the badge that had their name on it.
With that said, I received this e-mail:
I bet you don't have the guts to print this!
I have worked for the Fire Dept. for over 24 years. I've ridden out of
rank Lt. for over 10 years and I have seen these bull crap exams come
and go for many years. I do like crap on every one because I refuse to
let someone that has never workrd in a fire station to tell me how to do
my job. I recieved the medal of bravery 2 out of the first 3 years it
was given. I have taken them off my class A uniform and I'm now boxing
them up to give back to the mayor. A man should be promoted for his
actions and experience not for his ability to take a test. Many men have
died because inexperienced test takers are in charge. An ex friend of
mine who has been a paramedic for 8 years and has only a hand full of
fires under his belt, not to mention he's the laziest SOB I've ever
seen, is going to make Lt. because of one of these type test.
Firefighters will die over the next few years because people who have no
idea what they are doing are in charge. I hope your happy! Marv.
Reply: Understand there is only one person keeping you from getting
that badge . . . It's YOU! Stop looking in the magnifying glass at
others and start looking in the mirror at yourself. Even golf pros take
lessons
This response from someone who reviewed the e-mail message:
The common dodge is to blame someone else for their misfortune and that
is what is happening here. While I would be a bit hesitant to have a medic
promote to captain after just a few years, the guy has promoted and I am going
to help him to be a better officer. The bottom line? Ya gotta pass
the exam to be considered no matter how goofy the exam is! Tom