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We Do Not Discriminate

This is from the Washington DC Fire Department Web Site:

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the DC Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, DC Official Code section 2-1401.01 et seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action. (emphasis added)

And this is the list of qualifications for a job as Firefighter/EMT in Washington DC:

Applicants for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter must:

  • Be a National Registry-Certified Paramedic or EMT – Intermediate/99
  • Be a US citizen at the time of appointment
  • Have reached the age of 19 but not be over the age of 31 as of the date of application
  • Possess a current, valid driver’s license at the time of appointment
  • Have a valid high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
  • Pass a written Firefighter/Paramedic entry-level examination
  • Pass a physical abilities test
  • Pass a background check
  • Pass medical and psychological examinations
  • Possess a high moral character and commitment to service

If you have a maximum age a person can be before they are not allowed to apply, isn’t that age discrimination? If a 45 year old guy can do the job why can’t a 32 year old guy apply? If a guy over 31 can not apply then people who are older than 31 should not be allowed to continue work. What happens if a 35 year old guy who has been a firefighter in another department applies? Is he ineligible?

Strange, is it not?

Web Site DC Fire/EMS