Change affects class that took criticized exam
By HOLLY YAN
The Dallas Morning News
Copyright 2006 THE Dallas Morning News
About 50 Dallas Fire-Rescue applicants who passed a physical ability test criticized as too easy will be able to continue training, but they will have to pass a more stringent test before becoming full-fledged firefighters, the city’s Civil Service Board decided Wednesday night.
The board also approved implementing the more difficult test for future classes.
The controversy involves two tests: one known as CWH, which some say isn’t strenuous enoughbut could increase the number of female firefighters; and the Candidate Physical Ability Test, which is more demanding and has been adopted by about 500 fire departments nationwide.
In the spring, the current recruits completed CWH, which was developed by Colorado-based consultant Chris W. Hornick and implemented by the Civil Service Department.
Records indicate 97 percent of applicants passed the test, compared with 50 percent to 67 percent for the previous test. One woman who’d lost parts of her fingers in a fire failed the old test three times but passed CWH.
After successfully completing CWH, the roughly 50 applicants were hired and scheduled to start training this week. But the Dallas Fire Fighters Association was concerned, saying the test could allow physically incapable people to be hired and jeopardize public safety.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Burns proposed letting the newly hired members proceed with their six-month training session but proposed that they be required to pass the CPAT test before being formally accepted as firefighters.
“My goal was to have only the most-qualified firefighters in Dallas Fire-Rescue,” said Chief Burns, who joined the department in April. “I did some research on CPAT. It’s just a more comprehensive test.”
The chief said that because of the department’s rigorous training process, he is confident the recruits will pass the more difficult test.
In the event that some can’t pass the CPAT test by the end of training, they might be reimbursed for moving costs to and from Dallas, said Steve Sanderfer, acting chairman of the Civil Service Board.
He said more discussions with the city attorney will be needed on that idea.
The board didn’t discuss whether newly hired recruits who don’t pass the CPAT test and already lived in Dallas will receive other forms of reimbursement. Recruits are paid during their training.
Capt. Mike Buehler, president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association, advocated adopting the more strenuous test. Capt. Buehler said he isn’t concerned that the CPAT will hinder women from becoming firefighters, citing successes in that regard in Austin and other cities that use CPAT.
“There have not been any adverse impacts,” Capt. Buehler said.
To help ensure the the test is fair, the International Fire Fighters Association requires departments to offer orientation sessions before administering the CPAT. In Austin, a 16-week fitness program designed to prepare for CPAT increased the female passing rate from 33 percent to 80 percent in one year.
Chief Burns said the Dallas program will also help prepare applicants for the CPAT.
“We will try to incorporate some mentoring and training,” he said.
Chief Burns said he favors using the new CPAT test for future classes.
The recruits will begin their training today.