The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article highlighting the rising overtime expenses within the Chicago Fire Department as a key motivator for scheduling a new recruitment exam in 2014. However, the approach being taken has sparked some controversy.
In light of the soaring overtime costs in the Chicago Fire Department, authorities are planning to hold their first firefighter entrance exam in eight years in 2014. This move comes as a response to the financial strain caused by these expenses, which have surged from $13.5 million in 2011 to $20 million currently, with projections reaching $35.3 million in 2014. However, this decision is not aligned with the preferences of Alderman Nick Sposato (36th Ward), a former firefighter himself. Sposato argues that firefighting is fundamentally a physically demanding job, and hiring decisions should be based on candidates' performance in physical aptitude tests, provided they pass a basic written exam.
This method was employed in 1978 and again in 1985 during Sposato's own recruitment process, and neither occasion resulted in legal disputes. The upcoming exam in Chicago will differ significantly. The written test will be pass/fail, and successful candidates will be randomly assigned numbers, with hiring taking place in that sequence as staffing needs arise.
With a critical shortage of personnel exacerbating the overtime issue, the department is under pressure to recruit new members. The exact number of current vacancies remains undisclosed. Physical fitness assessments will only take place after candidates enter the fire academy, following background checks, drug screenings, and additional pass/fail evaluations. Those who pass all these stages will receive offers to join the next firefighter training class.
Sposato opposes the idea of hiring firefighters through a random "lottery" system, emphasizing that physical capability should be the determining factor. "Firefighting is a physically demanding role. Back in 1978 and 1985, individuals who were serious about joining the department trained rigorously, and they were prioritized accordingly," he stated.
"I would prefer candidates to be ranked according to their physical capabilities. We provide you with three months, six months, even a year to prepare—running up staircases, strength training, and other exercises. Then, they rank you based on your performance. That seems fairer to me."
Sposato admitted that his lack of preparation for the 1985 physical test cost him valuable time. "It took me eight years to get called back after I took the exam because I didn’t put in any effort to train. Meanwhile, friends of mine who dedicated themselves to preparing—three months, six months, a whole year—they were immediately recruited. It was a clear advantage for them."
The city’s hesitance to hire candidates based on their physical test results might stem from a costly settlement reached last September. Chicago ended up paying close to $2 million in compensation, along with an additional $1.7 million in legal fees, to settle a discrimination lawsuit involving female applicants who were disqualified from firefighter positions due to a biased physical assessment. The city has since abandoned that particular evaluation method.
Thanks Dan
Automatic plate pulling chamber filter press
The automatic pull plate chamber Filter Press adopts PLC control system, automatic pressure maintenance, automatic pull plate unloading. The beam adopts rectangular bridge steel with good rigidity and good lateral bending resistance, which has the characteristics of convenient operation and reliable performance, and has a remote control interface.The main advantages of the automatic pull plate box filter press are high efficiency, good effect, and relatively durable Filter Plate (under the same conditions), but the degree of automation is high, and there is also an automatic device for cleaning the filter cloth. Generally, it is necessary to replace the filter cloth. The frequency will not be frequent.
Under the pressure of the feeding pump, the material liquid to be filtered is sent into each filter chamber, and the solid and liquid are separated through the filter medium (select the appropriate filter cloth according to different industries). A filter residue is formed on the filter cloth until the filter chamber is filled to form a filter cake. The filtrate passes through the filter cloth and flows along the groove of the filter plate to the channel of the outlet hole below, where it is discharged in a concentrated manner. After the filtration is completed, the filter residue can be washed with clean water. After washing, sometimes compressed air is introduced to remove the remaining washing liquid. After the filtration, open the filter press to remove the filter cake (the filter cake is stored between two adjacent filter plates), clean the filter cloth, and re-press the plate filter to start the next working cycle.
Recessed Chamber Filter Press,Chamber Filter Press,Press Filters,Filter Presse,Automatic filter press
Shenzhen Hongfa Environmental Protection Equipment CO., LTD , https://www.hongfafilterpress.com