April 23, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Over 10,000 Applicants Vie for Firefighter Positions at the Los Angeles Fire Department

 

There are 165 firefighter position available within the LAFD. (Thinkstock)
There are 165 firefighter position available within the LAFD. (Thinkstock)

More than 10,000 applicants are vying for 165 firefighter positions with the Los Angeles Fire Department, officials said today, following an overhaul of the agency’s recruitment process, which has been the subject of complaints of nepotism and poor planning.

Women made up at least 528, or 5.19 percent, of the applicants, according to city personnel figures showing the gender and ethnic demographics of the 10,180 aspiring firefighters who applied during a three-day window last week.

Of the applicants, 10.39 percent identified as black, 35.30 percent as Latino, 4.72 percent as Asian, 37.71 percent as white, 1.5 percent as Native American and 2.4 percent as Filipino.

Those who elected not to report their ethnicity made up 7.98 percent of the applicants, which translates to about 812 people. Applicants who chose not to disclose their gender made up 328 of the applicants, or 3.22 percent.

Last year, the department was flooded with applications, with more than 13,000 people looking to fill just a few openings.

City personnel officials asked the 6,000 applicants who passed the written test to submit paperwork on a “first-come-first-serve” basis to help reduce the applicant pool, only to draw complaints when the submission window closed after just one minute, with the target of 900 applicants already reached.

The city is using a lottery process to winnow down the 10,180 who applied in the latest round to 300 candidates who will move onto the next recruitment stage, which includes interviews with personnel and fire officials. The reduced pool would mirror the demographics of the larger group of 10,180 applicants.

The lottery was created after Mayor Eric Garcetti halted recruitment earlier this year amid mounting complaints about the hiring process, describing it as “fatally flawed” and citing concerns over possible nepotism and favoritism.

Many of the new firefighters who joined the department this year are related to fire department employees. At least 15 of the 58 firefighters who graduated in June have “direct ties to the department,” Fire Department spokesman Peter Sanders said.

The original group of 70 recruits contained 13 sons and three nephews of firefighters, fire department figures said.

The concerns about nepotism prompted an internal investigation into whether friends and relatives of city firefighters received extra help in the recruitment process, according to Sanders.

In addition to the investigation, the fire department’s hiring process is undergoing the scrutiny of the Fire Commission’s independent watchdog Sue Stengal, who is expected to present her findings at the next board meeting, likely be held next week, according to Sanders.

Garcetti’s office has also ordered a $270,000 RAND Corp. study to look into ways of revamping the hiring process. The report was scheduled to be completed by the end of this month and presented in August.

Garcetti had wanted the study to be completed before hiring again, but mayoral spokeswoman Vicki Curry said they are moving forward without the report, while basing the process on “informal conversations” with the Rand consultants.

Related Posts

Skip Traffic, Relax, Catch a Vibe: Midweek Sunset Party Lands on the Westside

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

DJ Jason Bentley, Mocktails, Games, Food Trucks, Light Up Fox Hills Commuters looking to escape rush hour gridlock on Thursday,...

Representative Brad Sherman in Person at CSUN Town Hall This Weekend

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Constituents of California’s 32nd District Invited to an In-Person Q&A Session U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman will hold an in-person town...

(Video) A Myriad of Ways to Unlock Your Beauty Offered at Mirror Mirror Med Spa

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

For More Info, Go To Mirrormedspa.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/1DP3ZKbfDt pic.twitter.com/OVvHuTjETC — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) April 23, 2025

New York Film Academy in Los Angeles Offers Summer Camps, Programs

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

New York Film Academy in Los Angeles is hosting several summer camps for teenagers and kids, providing practical training in...

Cinespia Returns to Hollywood Forever With Cult Classics and a David Lynch Tribute

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Becomes a Moviegoer’s Paradise Once Again Cinespia, Los Angeles’ beloved outdoor cinema series, will return to Hollywood...

Major I-405 Rehab Project Unveiled: Caltrans to Host Virtual Info Meeting

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Sepulveda Pass Overhaul: New Pavement, Safer Roads, Better Commutes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a virtual informational...

San Fernando Valley Man Gets 5 Years for Beverly Hills Bank Fraud and Identity Theft

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Federal Prison for ID Thief Who Raided Beverly Hills Mailboxes for Millions A North Hills man was sentenced Monday to...

Academy Announces Major Changes for 98th Oscars, Including AI Rules and New Casting Award

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Academy Now Requires Viewing All Nominees to Cast Final Ballots The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled...

Pepper Spray and Panic: LA Homeowners Targeted in Nighttime Burglaries

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

LAPD Hunts Suspects After One Resident Attacked in Beverly Grove Two separate home invasions late Friday night in Beverly Grove...

“We’re Better Than This”: Tour Business Owner Pleads for Protection After Third Burglary

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Thieves hit Again, Stealing E-Bikes and Leaving a Wake of Damage in South La Cienega The frustrated owner of a...

Lawsuits Allege Insurance Giants Conspired to Undercut California Fire Victims

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Two Lawsuits Accuse Top Carriers of Price-Fixing and Violating Antitrust Laws Attorneys representing homeowners impacted by California’s January wildfires have...

Cali Camp Welcomes Los Angeles Campers

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Roam streams, meadows and oak trees in the heart of rock-lined Topanga Canyon this summer at Cali...

Mayor Karen Bass’ Budget Plan Proposes 1,647 Layoffs Amid $300M Liability Surge

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Civilian LAPD Staff, Transportation, and Sanitation Departments Among Hardest Hit Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal...

Santa Monica PD Makes Arrest in Ocean Front Walk Stabbing; Second Suspect Sought

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Late-Night Stabbing in Santa Monica Prompts Manhunt After a shocking incident of violence in Santa Monica, a man has been...

Unlock the Secrets of Impressionism and Ancient Thrace with Getty’s Free Talks

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

The Getty’s Lineup of Free Online Art Talks Opens Doors for Global Audiences. The Getty Center will host a series...