Almost all new firefighters in Newark OEF OIF veterans

When the Senate had a chance to do the right thing instead of what was political for them, they blocked the bill that would have put more veterans on the job as firefighters and cops. Congressman Calls Vet Jobs Bill Unfair, Wasteful

This report shows that it would not be unfair or wasteful.

Newark, NJ’s newest firefighters are almost all veterans of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Published: October 9

NEWARK, N.J. — When Marland Lawrence entered the fire academy after coming home from the Navy, he was surprised to find out he was not the only veteran in his class. Almost everyone else had also just left the military.

Lawrence was one of 28 veterans in Newark’s 41st fire recruit class, which graduated Tuesday. Three civilians were also sworn in.

It is not a coincidence. New Jersey’s largest city has spent the past few years actively recruiting veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to serve in its fire department. It is the first time the fire department has recruited veterans since World War II.

“They bring that life experience, the camaraderie, the teamwork, and already knowing a quasi-military structure,” said John G. Centanni, the Newark Fire Chief. “They know rank and how to take orders. They bring all of that to the table.”

Newark runs a veterans program in its city hall in partnership with the GI Go Fund, a New Jersey nonprofit that helps veterans make the transition to civilian life.

“Veterans are perfect to do this job,” said Jack S. Fanous, director of the fund. “They’re not going to be afraid of this job when they come back home.”
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