Cleveland firefighters upset over push to hire EMT technicians

CLEVELAND - A battle is brewing in Cleveland over the city hiring people to keep you safe. Cleveland leaders are looking for emergency medical technician trainees.

Now, the union representing Cleveland firefighters is asking why city leaders are not considering hiring laid-off firefighters?

“These men are already experienced and qualified,” said Local 93 President Tom Lally. “It makes no sense to deny them the opportunity to sit for the open examination. These men are anxious to return to work serving the people of Cleveland."

Lally said one laid off firefighter’s application was rejected by Cleveland’s Civil Service Commission.

The city's civil service secretary told NewsChanne 5 "a civil service examinations being administered to current EMS EMT trainees or for those individuals who have successfully completed City of Cleveland EMT training within the past year. This is part of the City’s ongoing attempt to eliminate Temporary Employees in the Division of Emergency Medical Service or other City departments."

The city adds firefighters can apply for the open positions.