Wanted: FDNY Dispatchers

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ipfd320

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I Actually Think the Classes are Paid by Babylon Central not the employee--I Have been in Central Nice Set-Up There--They Dispatch the 1st Division (10) Depts the 11th is Amityville which is Self Dispatched
 

ansky

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I have a general question about this. When a call comes in how do the individual fire units get assigned, and how are the firehouses notified about what apparatus is assigned to the call? Does the dispatcher have to make that determination or is it computerized based on the location and nature of the call?
 

ten13

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I have a general question about this. When a call comes in how do the individual fire units get assigned, and how are the firehouses notified about what apparatus is assigned to the call? Does the dispatcher have to make that determination or is it computerized based on the location and nature of the call?

Computerization, which can be over-rode by the Dispatcher, but generally is not, and would require a solid, hands-on knowledge of the FDNY and geography in extreme cases. And the firehouses are notified via computer also, which includes an announcement throughout the house, as heard here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g713MhG4SiI

Prior to the computer, it was the Voice Alarm which, I hope, is self-explanatory.

And prior to the Voice Alarm, was the Bells sent to the firehouses, which can be seen in this video. Despite its age, the system in the video was used into the beginning of the 1970s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygn1n5bUlfs

Before the computer, the actual assignment of units was pre-designated on an Assignment Card, which looked like this:
http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/77-1207.jpg
 

mule1075

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Computerization, which can be over-rode by the Dispatcher, but generally is not, and would require a solid, hands-on knowledge of the FDNY and geography in extreme cases. And the firehouses are notified via computer also, which includes an announcement throughout the house, as heard here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g713MhG4SiI

Prior to the computer, it was the Voice Alarm which, I hope, is self-explanatory.

And prior to the Voice Alarm, was the Bells sent to the firehouses, which can be seen in this video. Despite its age, the system in the video was used into the beginning of the 1970s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygn1n5bUlfs

Before the computer, the actual assignment of units was pre-designated on an Assignment Card, which looked like this:
http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/77-1207.jpg
Voice alarm is still available for fallback steps 1-3 I believe. And some top of the line dispatchers and SFAD'S still override the cad.
 

ipfd320

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Yes Today was Medal Day for the Dispatchers Who Went Above Their Means and Professionalism to Get the Jobs Out / Co-Ordinated and Backfilled

Good Job to All the Dispatchers They Deserve Every Bit of Recongnition
 

PaulNDaOC

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WX4JCW

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the qualifications are a bit extreme, for the amount of degrees you need or college credit you could do something thet paid waaay more than this, granted its more than the $15 they now pay at my department in Florida, granted you really have to know how to multitask and handle stress way more at FDNY, its a great job, just know what you are getting into before you apply, if you cant handle alot of political BS it wont be for you
 

ten13

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which to me indicates they are treated in a manner not appropriate to the job.

Well, that wasn't my intent but, now that you mention it, that is true. They are NOT treated appropriately, and just the fact that they are down upwards of 90 bodies, and management let it get that far, is a sure indication of that.

So, in lieu of a decent wage and working conditions, they give one dispatcher an "award" for something that is not really a big deal, and make sure the press cover it. With that, the remaining dispatchers are supposed to go home proud to be an underpaid, severely overworked, group.

And that tactic isn't new either, and not just with the fire dispatchers, especially in a city like NYC which doesn't have enough money for even routine debts.

And, as has been repeated on this thread, with Ph.D-level qualifications needed just to get ones' foot in the door, as well as NYC residency, there's little encouragement that that 90 bodies will be filled, all or even in part, anytime soon, further mandating working 18...or more...hours to cover the vacancies.

So, yes....they aren't treated appropriately.
 

mule1075

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So, in lieu of a decent wage and working conditions, they give one dispatcher an "award" for something that is not really a big deal, and make sure the press cover it. With that, the remaining dispatchers are supposed to go home proud to be an underpaid, severely overworked, group.

72 Fire and EMS dispatchers were Honored and given awards at the ceremony. I don't know where you got just one award was given.
 
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provisional hire

i'm in the process for the provisional fire dispatch hire, i passed everything but the medical which i gotta report to on monday at 6:45 at metro tech, anyways some of the guys im processing with for dispatch are from corrections or on the EMS/EMT side of the job and are tired of the mistreatment so they are going to something better, the job is low pay but its something, i just graduated college with my bachelors and this is something for me, i intend on keeping my title, the academy starts at the end of october with 9 weeks of training, anyways this is something for some of us to do to get our time on to the city. The process is flying by quick.
 

izzyj4

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A good friend of mine was one of the Manhattan dispatchers who was honored.
 

PaulNDaOC

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i'm in the process for the provisional fire dispatch hire, i passed everything but the medical which i gotta report to on monday at 6:45 at metro tech, anyways some of the guys im processing with for dispatch are from corrections or on the EMS/EMT side of the job and are tired of the mistreatment so they are going to something better, the job is low pay but its something, i just graduated college with my bachelors and this is something for me, i intend on keeping my title, the academy starts at the end of october with 9 weeks of training, anyways this is something for some of us to do to get our time on to the city. The process is flying by quick.

What is top of scale for a FDNY dispatcher? In California it's about $80K or so before overtime. In the Bay Area it's close to $100k
 

PaulNDaOC

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the qualifications are a bit extreme, for the amount of degrees you need or college credit you could do something that paid way more than this, granted its more than the $15 they now pay at my department in Florida, granted you really have to know how to multitask and handle stress way more at FDNY, its a great job, just know what you are getting into before you apply, if you can't handle a lot of political BS it won't be for you


I've been around centers of all sizes and think as long as you are fine with the working conditions, are good at your job, and can get along with all kinds of people you are a good fit.



I will admit sometimes you might have to make things political if there is incompetence in your workplace and you are going to put your neck on the line but other than that just do a good job, respect seniority, and do something like train new hires so you don't get bored and get negative.
 

ten13

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anyways some of the guys I'm processing with for dispatch are from corrections or on the EMS/EMT side of the job and are tired of the mistreatment so they are going to something better,

Thanks for the feedback.

Did you get any hint of how many they are hiring for that October class?

I had forgotten that Corrections hired their own civilian Dispatchers, having just seen an advertisement for hiring them on, I believe, "Indeed." I don't know what the pay is like at that Corrections job.

As far as EMS EMTs packing it in to go to the FD Dispatchers: that's a sad state of affairs. If there was ever a job that was underpaid and under-appreciated in the once-great City of New York, that's the one. And when they merged with the FD so many years ago everyone thought it was going to be the "saving grace" for that job. I guess not. I guess the city figures, "Why pay them more? Where are they going to go: 'Senior Care' or 'Ambulanz'?"

In California it's about $80K or so before overtime. In the Bay Area it's close to $100k

I get a kick out of people who throw out salaries, with lines like "..it's about," or "close to..." and some phenomenal amount of money, only to find out that the starting salary is more in line with what every other similar job gets, and you have to be working there many years to get even close to what's quoted, and even that has some other incentives (besides OT) in it, like night differential, etc. The idea that someone will walk in off the street and get $100k as a fire dispatcher in San Francisco..or anywhere else...is a little hard to believe.
 
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PaulNDaOC

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Thanks for the feedback.

Did you get any hint of how many they are hiring for that October class?

I had forgotten that Corrections hired their own civilian Dispatchers, having just seen an advertisement for hiring them on, I believe, "Indeed." I don't know what the pay is like at that Corrections job.

As far as EMS EMTs packing it in to go to the FD Dispatchers: that's a sad state of affairs. If there was ever a job that was underpaid and under-appreciated in the once-great City of New York, that's the one. And when they merged with the FD so many years ago everyone thought it was going to be the "saving grace" for that job. I guess not. I guess the city figures, "Why pay them more? Where are they going to go: 'Senior Care' or 'Ambulanz'?"



I get a kick out of people who throw out salaries, with lines like "..it's about," or "close to..." and some phenomenal amount of money, only to find out that the starting salary is more in line with what every other similar job gets, and you have to be working there many years to get even close to what's quoted, and even that has some other incentives (besides OT) in it, like night differential, etc. The idea that someone will walk in off the street and get $100k as a fire dispatcher in San Francisco..or anywhere else...is a little hard to believe.

First off I said tops out at, and anyone knows there are step increases, usually 5 years to top.

San Jose Public Safety Radio Disp Class (both PD/FD) Step 1 74,214 5 yrs- 90,209
then add EMD cert bonus, night bonus, FTO
differential.

Orange County Fire Authority starts at $28.33 an hour, tops at $ 38.18.
We are already at $80, then since they work a fireman's schedule FLSA says anything over 43 hours a week is time and a half, then EMD bonus.

So am I still full of it? I can go on if you like. If you recheck I never claimed it was starting pay.

Your really kind of an arrogant knows-it-all prick that is going to fail miserably in dispatch because you are sloppy and think your smarter than everyone else and you will f up bad.

I'd check that attitude at the door or you will be out before you touch the foot pedal at the console. FDNY is where the big boys come to work and if you want to call people out like you did me, dot your I's, cross your t's then watch your back. .
 
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ten13

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So am I still full of it?

I never said that in my first post.

What I said was...well, read it again. You threw some large figures up there with no breakdown of how it comes about, with the implication that it may have been a starting salary, and expect everyone to believe it at face value.

Frankly, even for 100k, to work "firehouse hours" would turn me off. Unless they condone sleeping by their dispatchers (which most agencies don't) which would entail a large manpower. In fact, the 12 hours that the FDNY dispatchers work is a bit much, especially considering the environment they are in.

(BTW...if you ARE working some type of 24 hour shift, then you must be difficult to work with, with your short fuse.....!)
 

APX8000

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Easy boys, breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Of that doesn’t work, I have a safe space for you guys to cool down.

Back on topic, what IS the actual starting salary ? I’d also like to know what the actual starting take home pay is when you take into account all the deductions. And let’s not forget Port Authority hitting you with a few tolls, gas, etc.

I can tell you that in Orange County, NY I know several agencies paying $25/hour to start.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Thanks for the feedback.

Did you get any hint of how many they are hiring for that October class?

I had forgotten that Corrections hired their own civilian Dispatchers, having just seen an advertisement for hiring them on, I believe, "Indeed." I don't know what the pay is like at that Corrections job.

As far as EMS EMTs packing it in to go to the FD Dispatchers: that's a sad state of affairs. If there was ever a job that was underpaid and under-appreciated in the once-great City of New York, that's the one. And when they merged with the FD so many years ago everyone thought it was going to be the "saving grace" for that job. I guess not. I guess the city figures, "Why pay them more? Where are they going to go: 'Senior Care' or 'Ambulanz'?"



I get a kick out of people who throw out salaries, with lines like "..it's about," or "close to..." and some phenomenal amount of money, only to find out that the starting salary is more in line with what every other similar job gets, and you have to be working there many years to get even close to what's quoted, and even that has some other incentives (besides OT) in it, like night differential, etc. The idea that someone will walk in off the street and get $100k as a fire dispatcher in San Francisco..or anywhere else...is a little hard to believe.

They are only hiring 60 candidates for the provisional job and the pay starting is 38K maxing out at 65k but that’s juat base pay I believe I gotta check with one of the chiefs about the top pay but 38 is our starting pay, , the reason why they are even hiring this much is because a lot of personel are leaving and DCAS don’t Want to give out the exam yet, it’s 9 months of probation with 4 day tours, 2 day tours and 2 night tours and mainly Bronx or Brooklyn at metro tech, of course once fhe exam comes out the 60 provisionals will take it while we are working and the department looks out for the provisionals first and will call us from the list and then after we get called back in to work permanently it’s 3 months of probation only, a lot of people don’t wanna do this job because it’s low pay the hours are weird but it’s sometning and also we go 4 days off after finishing our Tours so it’s not so bad.
 
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