Fire group offering free training for black applicants
By Chinta Strausberg
The African American Firefighters & Paramedic League and SmokeBuster’s II are providing a free training program for the 6,000-applicant pool who are eligible for employment on the Chicago Fire Department.
The training is being given on Wednesday’s 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday’s from 1 to 3 pm. at Tuley Park, 501 East. 90th Place in Chicago.
The city was fined $30 million for discriminating against African American applicants and must hire 111 black firefighters.
In an effort to ensure the success of those 111 applicants, James Winbush, retired Chicago Fire Department Captain, is providing free physical abilities training needed to pass the first phase of entry into the Fire Academy.
“We are training and coaching applicants to pass the first hurdle of the entry testing which is the physical abilities portion of that process.
“You must pass the first phase to continue the training in the Chicago Fire Academy or you will be put back into the pool of people who don’t want employment and they would get an automatic $5,000. Either you get the job or you get $5,000.
“We want to train those who want to be firemen as opposed to those who simply want the $5,000 settlement,†said Winbush. “For those who are serious about becoming Chicago Firefighters, meet me this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Tuley Park, 501 E. 90th Place.â€
The SmokeBuster II’s training program will continue until the Chicago Fire Department starts entry testing in November.
Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.
