Eric Adams Faces Lawsuit Over Shift of 82 NYC Fire Cadets to EMT Roles—Shocking Details Revealed!
City Appoints 82 Fire Cadets to EMT Roles, Bypassing Hiring Procedures
The largest municipal union has criticized city officials for assigning 82 fire cadets to provisional EMT positions, ignoring established hiring processes and leaving certified applicants waiting.
The union, District Council 37’s Local 2507, representing FDNY EMTs and paramedics, alleges that the FDNY and Mayor Adams violated civil service laws by promoting fire cadets—who are part-time employees and recently completed a two-year training program—to EMT roles without exams or application approval.
These cadets finished their training in May with the aim of promoting diversity within the FDNY. However, following graduation, they were enrolled in EMT training instead of being integrated into the Fire Academy. The city claims this move was intended to retain cadets on payroll, provide union benefits, and prepare them for future firefighter roles. The fire commissioner publicly justified the decision, emphasizing it as beneficial for the cadets’ employment and training prospects.
Most of the cadets, however, have expressed reluctance. According to union president Oren Barzilay, only 69 reported for EMT training, and many do not plan to remain in the role long-term. None have taken the necessary civil service exam, nor are they on the official hiring lists, the lawsuit asserts. Meanwhile, hundreds of certified EMTs remain on standby, unable to fill vacant positions.
Some cadets are expected to join the Fire Academy later this year, while others could serve in EMT positions for up to two years. Union leaders warn that forcing individuals unwilling to serve as EMTs could compromise patient safety, with Barzilay warning that unmotivated personnel might lead to mistakes on the job, ultimately risking lives.
The union suggests that this approach may indicate a larger shift away from traditional EMS staffing, raising concerns about the future of emergency services. The FDNY has acknowledged receipt of the lawsuit but has declined to comment pending legal proceedings.