May 24, 2011, New York, New York – After candidates who took a 2007 FDNY exam were negatively affected by a court injunction, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committee, and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Peter Vallone, announced today that a hearing on a bill to address this matter will take place on Wednesday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m.

This hearing will consider Proposed Int. No. 450-A, a bill that would extend the age at which a candidate could apply to take the FDNY exam from 29 to 35. This would be for one time only and for candidates who either took the FDNY entrance exam or could not be appointed from prior eligible lists, including special military lists because the lists could not be used in whole or in part due to litigation. The legislation is expected to come to a full Council vote at this Thursday’s stated meeting.

“There are men and women who want to give back to the City by working as one of our Bravest,” said Speaker Quinn. “Through no fault of their own they are in jeopardy of losing that opportunity because of the current age requirements and the fact that the exam they took isn’t being used. This bill would right that wrong and allow those candidates who still want to be part of the FDNY to take the next exam. I want to thank Chair Elizabeth Crowley and Public Safety Chair Peter Vallone for their leadership on this issue.”

“The FDNY is the heart and soul of this city and to prevent those who want to join the Department simply because the test was invalidated by a Court is unjust,” said Elizabeth Crowley, Chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committee. “Extending the age is the fairest way to deal with this unfortunate series of events. I want to thank the Speaker for her support on this important issue.”

“These candidates worked hard and scored at the top of the test but now, because of this judge, they will never get a chance at their life’s dream without this legislation,” said Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr.

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