Letter to the editor: City Councilor-Elect says hybrid hiring list not supported within firefighter ranks

Here is a letter submitted to Fall River Reporter and was not written by us.

While I appreciate the intent behind hiring certified Firefighter I/II graduates from the Massachusetts Fire Academy along with those holding EMS certifications to expedite the process, I believe the potential drawbacks of this approach significantly outweigh any benefits.

Key concerns include, bypassing “Legacy hires” and veterans, reduced loyalty to our department from candidates accustomed to other systems, challenges in cultural integration, and the risk of hindering dedicated current firefighters awaiting promotion who have progressed through the traditional ranks. This could weaken important community connections.

 The established Civil Service process ensures fair, merit-based hiring that prioritizes local residents—a principle that was repeatedly emphasized when the Fall River Fire Department successfully fought to maintain the Fire Chief position as a Civil Service appointment, specifically to keep politics out of the leadership selection process.

The current Civil Service firefighter list appropriately gives preference to legacy candidates (children of firefighters killed in the line of duty), disabled veterans, and veterans before civilians, with rankings determined by exam scores. The proposed hybrid list would instead prioritize experienced candidates from other municipalities over those who have demonstrated long-term commitment to Fall River by waiting patiently for an opportunity with their preferred department—rather than moving between departments for incentives or convenience.

Hiring exclusively from the active Civil Service list not only rewards those who have earned their position through dedication to traditional testing but also fosters well-prepared firefighters who begin their careers fully immersed in our department’s culture, procedures, and standards—free from potential conflicting habits or policies acquired elsewhere.

In recent conversations with many current firefighters, it has become clear that this hybrid list is not supported within the ranks. Such differences could create integration challenges and internal conflicts in firehouses.

In my view, the City of Fall River should continue relying on the proven Massachusetts Civil Service list, as it has for decades. To streamline hiring and reduce timelines for onboarding new civil service recruits, the city should consider resuming operations of its own municipal fire academy.

Christopher M. Peckham Sr

City Councilor-Elect

Fall River, Massachusetts