BX residents looking to become firefighters may face easier requirements

The New York City Fire Department is reportedly set to announce changes to its hiring practices Monday.
According to a Daily News report, the FDNY has been criticized about its lack of diversity and its hiring practices are currently under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. Now, in an effort to boost the number of minority recruits, the department is proposing to relax its hiring requirements. Under the new proposal, applicants will only be required to have 15 college credits or six months work experience. Also under the proposal, candidates with a city address and candidates with a diploma would receive extra points on the required exam.
Mayor Bloomberg is expected to announce the fire department?s changes in hiring at a press conference in Brooklyn. Bloomberg is also expected to announce the launch of an FDNY campaign to recruit more minorities.