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Athens commission updates firefighter physical ability test to use Kaiser machine
Summary
The Athens Civil Service Commission unanimously amended the local civil service rules on Aug. 27, 2025, to modify the firefighter physical ability test (Attachment B), replacing railroad ties with a Kaiser machine after staff explained the machine performs the same function and should be more durable.
The Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission of the City of Athens voted unanimously on Aug. 27, 2025, to amend Section 143.023 (Eligibility for Beginning Position, Section 2(b)) of the City of Athens Local Civil Service Rules and Regulations to modify the firefighter physical ability test (Attachment B).
Member Jack Harrington moved to adopt the change described in Attachment B; Vice Chairman Lisa Collins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Chairman Tony Kalawe asked staff why the swap was needed. Assistant Fire Chief Ricky Harris said the city purchased a Kaiser machine to replace the previous use of railroad ties, adding that the "Kaiser machine was purchased to replace the railroad ties, but it does exactly the same thing as the railroad ties did previously and the machine is expected to last much longer than the railroad ties." The amendment updates the testing apparatus in the local rule language accordingly.
The change was recorded as an amendment to the eligibility/testing section of the local civil service rules; the commission did not attach conditions or dissent during the recorded vote. The amendment applies to the physical ability test used to assess candidates for beginning firefighter positions under the local rules.
