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AGENCY TESTIMONY
FDNY reports success in firefighter recruitment campaign
0:13:06
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125 sec
Commissioner Tucker highlights the success of the FDNY's firefighter recruitment campaign, which resulted in a significant number of applicants for the firefighter exam. The campaign used diverse strategies to reach potential candidates from all areas of New York City.
- Approximately 34,000 individuals filed to take the firefighter exam
- The 'All Heroes Welcome' campaign used advertising in 10 languages across various media platforms
- 8% of the applicants were women, which the commissioner noted as encouraging
- The FDNY uses various tools to keep candidates engaged throughout the recruitment process, including mobile academies and mentorship programs
Robert Tucker
0:13:06
We had successes in the area of recruiting and retention in 2024.
0:13:11
The firefighter recruitment campaign which wrapped up last fall resulted in approximately 34,000 individuals filing to take the firefighter exam.
0:13:23
The data driven targeted campaign which we called All Heroes Welcome was a comprehensive outreach program to reach potential firefighter candidates from every area of New York City.
0:13:37
We advertised in 10 languages using online and social media resources, traditional media such as radio and key community newspapers, as well as an aggressive advertising push on the transit system throughout the city.
0:13:51
Of course, our most valuable recruitment asset was our own members.
0:13:56
And for the firefighter campaign, we had an impressive group of active duty firefighters who spoke at schools, houses of worship, community meetings, career fairs, colleges, and block parties.
0:14:10
I want to thank the council for partnering with us on this important campaign.
0:14:17
A number of council members held events in their districts or helped us promote events that we were hosting.
0:14:24
I'm encouraged by the fact that 8% of the filers were women.
0:14:29
Recruiting for civil service exams is a process and we know from previous cycles how important it is to keep our candidates interested and prepared.
0:14:39
From taking the written exam to completing necessary physical testing and being sure that they enter the academy in shape and ready to train.
0:14:49
We use a variety of tools to engage candidates including mobile academies, online and in person information sessions, tutorials, workout sessions, outreach from mentors and fraternal organizations, and persistent communication to continue pushing them from one step of the process to the next.