Houston Fire Department Hiring 600 Vacancies

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National firefighter shortage impacts Houston Fire Department

A nationwide shortage of firefighters impacts the Houston Fire Department. KPRC 2′s Zach Lashway explains what is being done to get more people to join HFD.

www.click2houston.com

Yeah, it can be hot here. 92 degrees at my house Friday. But, you'll get used to it.

 

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In 1975 almost one thousand FDNY firefighters were laid as a result of the fiscal crisis in the city. Reportedly, Chief O'Hagan contacted departments around the country to encourage hiring laid-off members who wanted to leave the New York area. I believe Houston was one of those contacted.

However, again my understanding, O'Hagan (through the IAFC) black-balled anyone who participated in the November 6, 1973 "wildcat" strike.
Can anyone confirm this?

In about 1985 I met a police officer in the small town I live in. Jerry C. was laid-off out of Engine 269. I happened to talk to the Police Chief about a month ago and found out that one of Jerry's boys is currently on the job still working patrol.

Similarly, about the same I ran into a guy jogging down the street wearing FDNY colors. He told me he was the son of the Battalion Chief in the 27th (Wilson?) featured in Dennis Smith's "Report From Engine Co. 82".

 

[Capttomo]

Admirable goal - but good luck finding that many truly qualified recruits.

 

[FFM1938]

In 1975 almost one thousand FDNY firefighters were laid as a result of the fiscal crisis in the city.

Now thats a policy I think we can all get behind!

 

[CFDMarshal]

I know they had the pay settlement, what are they starting now, salary wise?

 

[entropychaser]

I'm still trying to get an answer on O'Hagan.

There will always be a challenge to hire new members in this town. There are too many well paying jobs around in construction, manufacturing, and the petrochemical industry. Plus, the City of Houston is not known as a dynamic employer in that competition.

Although....Decades ago, when a good friend worked at Station 64 on Greens Road next to IAH, his Captain (with his brother- also a Captain) ran a million dollar a year lawn mowing business on the side ( before cell phones) off the "outside" telephone in the kitchen.

 

[68jk09]

I don't remember ohagan doing ANYTHING for the unnecessarily laid off FDNY FFs back then ( fake fiscal crisis ) other than screwing them ......telling city hall & the bean counter turds that he could run the FDNY with 7500 FFs....he was a smart guy bookwise but condescending to his Troops regardless of their Rank or Experience ....witnessed that on more than one occasion .

 

[entropychaser]

I don't remember ohagan doing ANYTHING for the unnecessarily laid off FDNY FFs back then ( fake fiscal crisis ) other than screwing them ......telling city hall & the bean counter turds that he could run the FDNY with 7500 FFs....he was a smart guy bookwise but condescending to his Troops regardless of their Rank or Experience ....witnessed that on more than one occasion .

Thanks Chief.

O'Hagan helping the laid off members came from Gus Johnson's FDNY The Firebuff's Handbook. I would wager he was friends with O'Hagan.

The blackball comment came from Jerry C. or someone I knew who was wired into the Houston Chief's office in the 1970's

I wonder how O'Hagan did as Captain of Rescue 1. Seems like all the guys I knew in Rescue would not respond well to that management style.

Jerry also told me that while he was at Engine 269 that the Captain was always fielding complaints from the elementary school behind quarters on President Street. The little kids were always hearing loud talking, arguing, and salty language coming from the kitchen. Imagine that!