New York's Bravest

"Daddy, I want to be a firefighter in the greatest city in the world when I grow up!"

"Well, son, you're going to have to study hard in kindergarten so you can pass the test!"

Some of the questions on the FDNY entrance exam have been revealed and we would like to share them with you. Bear in mind that the test has often been criticized as being unfair to minorities. Really.

5. Firefighters have responded to an apartment for an emergency water leak and are now standing in front of the door to the apartment. Which one of the following actions should the firefighters take first to gain entry into the apartment?

A) Knock loudly on the door and then try the doorknob.
B) Cut a hole in the door with a portable saw.
C) Strike one of the door hinges with the back of an axe.
D) Locate the fire escape and climb into the apartment through a window.


4. A fire department instructor is explaining to a newly-assigned firefighter the hazards of electrical wires that have fallen in the street. Which one of the following is an action that a firefighter should NOT take?

A) Keep people away from the fallen wires.
B) Use caution when working near energized wires.
C) Handle highly-energized wires while standing in a puddle of water.
D) Notify the utility company and tell them to respond to the emergency.

9. Firefighters are required to operate on the subway tracks during emergencies in the subway stations. Which one of the following would present the greatest threat to the safety of a firefighter working on the subway tracks?

A) A subway platform crowded with people.
B) Rubbish burning in a small garbage can located on a subway platform.
C) A subway car entering a station.
D) A maintenance crew working on the track.

Perhaps there are more difficult questions on the rest of the exam, but still, I think any first grader could probably answer these questions correctly.

Let's face it, the most important part of the entrance exam should consist of the candidate posing half naked in a tool belt.