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Commission certifies firefighter eligibility list; members discuss occupational cancer screening and training
Summary
The commission approved updates to the firefighter candidate roster and heard an extended discussion about firefighters' occupational cancer risk, training at the National Fire Academy and safer firefighting agents.
The Delaware City Civil Service Commission on April 2 approved updates to the firefighter certified list and heard department officials and commissioners discuss firefighter health risks, training and equipment.
Commission staff reported recent additions to the firefighter eligibility list and described physical-agility testing and interviews that produced multiple new candidates. At one point staff said 10 candidates were added after testing, bringing the list to 14 candidates; later remarks in the meeting noted further additions and one disqualification and reported that the list stood at 17 and then 18 candidates as the process continued. The transcript records staff saying background investigations were underway on several candidates.
Commissioners then shifted to a health-and-safety discussion. A department official summarized recent research and federal findings about elevated cancer risks among firefighters and noted studies linking occupational exposures to increased diagnosis rates. Commissioners and the fire department discussed presumptive workers’ compensation laws and the department’s work on a cancer-screening and wellness program for firefighters. The transcript records a staff speaker noting: “there are calls that come into the center that probably don't necessarily require a police officer” in the context of dispatch and right-sizing responses, and a separate exchange noted use of National Fire Academy training and course reimbursement for staff.
Members also asked about newer firefighting agents and foam. One commissioner referenced a soy-based firefighting product reported on a news program and asked whether the department had experience with it. The department said it had moved toward what it called “safer” agents and would review vendor availability.
The commission voted to accept the April firefighter certified list as presented. A roll call was recorded and the motion carried. No ordinance or new budget appropriation was adopted during the discussion; the meeting recorded only approval of the certified list and nonbinding discussion about health, training and equipment.
