Urging the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission to adopt regulations to provide additional examination credits for Fire and Police Department related positions to the members of the Philadelphia Second Alarmers Association, a nearly one hundred year old group who provides needed support for Philadelphia's first responders.

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Second Alarmers Association was formed in the winter of 1921

when a group of concerned citizens recognized the long and difficult hours firefighters were working at scenes of major fires, train accidents, and other demanding incidents - often in adverse weather conditions. In the beginning, members provided first responders with food and hot and cold beverages to assist them in their duties. Today they not only provide hot and cold beverages and food at emergency scenes, they also provide emergency lighting, shelter and other amenities to make the first responders jobs safer; and

WHEREAS, Second Alarmers are available for dispatch 24 hours a day. All members are issued beepers, and many spend nights or weekends on duty to monitor Philadelphia Fire Department radios, ready at a moment's notice to jump into action and assist uniform personnel; and

WHEREAS, The Second Alarmers is made up of 27 volunteer members, and over the last four years, the group has responded to over 400 emergency situations a year. These 27 members responded to 419 calls in 2013; and

WHEREAS, In the past 10 years, the Second Alarmers have been honored by both City Council and the City of Philadelphia for their many contributions to the Philadelphia community and for their memberships steadfast dedication to our Police Officers and Firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Additional examination credits are given to applicants for a number of different things: military service, legacy service, or educational achievement for example. Additional credits are also given to the members of groups such as the Police Explorers Cadets, which offers training to young adults ages 14 -20 who are interested in a career in the law enforcement profession; and

WHEREAS, As a further sign of this City's admiration, the Civil Service Commission should put this thanks into action, and acknowledge the Second Alarmers with additional credit on the examinations related to the Departments that their members have served for so long; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission is urged to adopt regulations to provide additional examination credits for Fire and Police Department related positions to the members of the Philadelphia Second Alarmers Association, a nearly one hundred year old group who provides needed support for Philadelphia's first responders.

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