Civil Service Employment Subcommittee
Regular MeetingPortland, ME · June 16, 2025
Agenda
City of Portland
Civil Service - Employment Subcommittee
Monday, June 16, 2025 at 8:30 AM
To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email atorregrossa@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions
must be received by 12:00 pm on Friday, June 13 to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All
submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted
for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).
REMOTE ACCESS INFORMATION:
The Civil Service - Employment Subcommittee will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom pursuant to the
Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the Portland City Council. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom
app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a
recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting.
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telephone, please hit *9. You will be unmuted by the host when it is time for public comment.
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1. Call to Order
2. New Business
a. Review proposed changes to Fire Department Civil Service Rules
i. Revised Rules
ii. Public Comment
3. Adjournment
1
Packet
City of Portland
Civil Service - Employment Subcommittee
Monday, June 16, 2025 at 8:30 AM
To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email atorregrossa@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions
must be received by 12:00 pm on Friday, June 13 to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All
submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted
for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).
REMOTE ACCESS INFORMATION:
The Civil Service - Employment Subcommittee will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom pursuant to the
Remote Meeting Policy adopted by the Portland City Council. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom
app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a
recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting.
For public comment via Zoom, you will need to use the "raise your hand" feature. To raise your hand via the
telephone, please hit *9. You will be unmuted by the host when it is time for public comment.
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/86541984462?pwd=AmBbto5vIu5FXPmpkkBDrqA19QLL06.1
Passcode:360795
Phone one-tap:
+13017158592,,86541984462#,,,,*360795# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,86541984462#,,,,*360795# US
Join via audio:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
Webinar ID: 865 4198 4462
Passcode: 360795
1. Call to Order
2. New Business
a. Review proposed changes to Fire Department Civil Service Rules
i. Revised Rules
ii. Public Comment
3. Adjournment
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Page 1
ARTICLE I
FIRE DEPARTMENT HIRING
Sec. 1.1. Hiring process and requirements.
The following outlines the steps in the Fire Department hiring process for all applicants for
sworn positions other than those covered by ArticleIVoftheseRules. Failuretosuccessfully
complete any step in the process shall result in automatic disqualification for that hiring cycle.
A. Aptitude capacity test: Applicants must first sit for the written, job-related
aptitude capacity test.¶
1. Thetestwillbeheldatleastonceeverytwoyears,ascalledforbytheFire
Chief.¶
a. The test shall be publicly advertised, and the application period
shall be held open for at least fourteen days.¶
B. The testshallbeadministeredbytheHumanResourcesDepartment,andatleast
one member of the Employment Subcommittee shall be available by phone, if
necessary.¶
1. The following must be provided to the Human Resources Department
prior to sitting for the test:¶
a. A high school diploma or GED certificate;¶
b. A copy of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license; and¶
c. A fully completed job application.¶
d. Proof of National Registry Certification of Basic Emergency
MedicalTechnician(EMT-B),orproofofEMT-Bclasscompletion
with a pending test date for certification¶
C. 70% is a passing score on the aptitude capacity test.
Physicalfitnesstest: Ifapplicantssuccessfullypasstheaptitudecapacitytest,theymust
take and pass the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT). Applicants must take and
pass the Portland Physical Abilities Test (PPAT), or provide proof of passing the
Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT), within the previous twelve months.
1. TheFireDepartmentshallsponsortheCPPATatleastonceinconnection
with eachhiring processaptitude capacity test.
2. ApplicantsmayalternativelytaketheCPATinanotherjurisdiction,attheir
own expense, and submit the resultsfromthelicensedjurisdictiontothe
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Department. Results must be submitted at least 14 days before oral
interviews are scheduled.
D. Oral interview: Applicants who pass the CPPAT (or CPAT) are eligible to be
considered toparticipate in an oral interview.
1. Prior to participating in theoralinterview,applicantsmustprovideproof
ofthe following:
a. A high school diploma or GED certificate;
b. A copy of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license; a
c. A fully completed job application; and
d. National Registry Certification of Basic (or higher) Emergency
MedicalTechnician(EMT-B),orproofofEMT-Bclasscompletion
with a pending test date for certification. a valid State of Maine
Emergency Medical Technician license.
2. Oralinterviewsshallbeconductedbyapanelconsistingofonememberof
the Employment Subcommittee, and the Fire Chief’s designees.
E. Uponsuccessfulcompletionoftheapplicationprocess,applicantsshallbepartof
theeligibleapplicantpool. TheFireChiefmayevaluateeligibleapplicantsbased
onallinformationcollectedinthehiringprocessandmakeaconditionaljoboffer
to any qualified applicant at theirhis or her discretion. Conditional employees
must successfully complete thefollowingrequirements,andfailuretodosowill
result in revocation of the conditional job offer.
1. A conditional employee must provide proof of the following:
a. Acceptable evidence of age;and
b. Acceptable evidence of citizenship or eligibility to work in the
United States; and.
c. Proof of National Registry CertificationasanEMT-Boraboveif
they did not do so at the time of interview.
2. Aconditionalemployeemustundergoafullbackgroundcheck,including
local,state,andfederalcriminalhistory;civilcourtrecords;motorvehicle
driving records; and credit history.
3. A conditional employee must undergo a medical examination. The
medical examination shall be performed by a physician specified by the
Employment Subcommittee, and shall evaluate whether the conditional
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employee can perform the essential functions of the job with orwithout
accommodation.
4. A conditional employee must undergo a job suitability assessment.
a. Thejobsuitabilityassessmentshallbeperformedbyalicensedand
qualified psychologist specified by the Employment
Subcommittee.
b. Thejobsuitabilityassessmentshallevaluatedeterminewhetherthe
applicant can perform the essential functions of the job with or
without accommodation.
c. The job suitability assessment shall also determine whether the
conditional employee has any personality traits, behaviors, or
characteristics that might adversely affect their performance.
5. If any disqualification under this section can be corrected, the applicant
may be returned to the pool of applicants and be eligible for hire upon
furnishing satisfactory evidence thatthedisqualifyingconditionhasbeen
addressed.
F. Any applicants whoarenotinitiallyhiredwillremainintheapplicantpooluntil
they remove themselves fromconsideration,areremovedforcause,orthereisa
new hiring cycle.
Sec. 1.2. Disqualifying criminal convictionsand civil actions.
Members of the Fire Department hold a position of significant public trust, provide medical
treatment to ill and injured individuals, routinely work in peoples’ homes and businesses,and
interact closely with the public when they are most vulnerable. Therefore, it is of theutmost
importancethatmembersoftheDepartmentpasscriminalandcivilbackgroundcheckstoensure
that they do not pose a threat to the Department or to the public.
The following criminal convictions or civil orders within the timeframes provided shall
automatically disqualify an applicant for original hire or promotion to any sworn position,
includingthosecoveredunderArticleIVoftheseRules. Criminalconvictionsshallincludeany
other disposition where the candidate admits to the criminal behavior, including a deferred
disposition. TheFireChiefmaywaiveanyoftheselimitationswheretheyheorshedetermines
that the applicant does not pose a threat to the Department or to the public.
Conviction (or equivalent) Disqualification period
Class A, B, or C
1. Crime of violence 1. Permanent
2. Crime involving health care fraud 2. Permanent
3. Arson 3. Permanent
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4. Drug related 4. 10 years from discharge of sentence
5. All other 5. 10 years from discharge of sentence
6. Multiple convictions 6. Permanent
Class D or E
1. Operating under the influence 1. 5 years from discharge of sentence
2. Drug related 2. 5 years from discharge of sentence
3. Crime of violence 3. 10 years from discharge of sentence
4. All other 4. 5 years from discharge of sentence
5. Multiple convictions 5. Permanent
Traffic offenses One year from date of resolution
Protection from abuse or protection from Three years from date of final order
harassment order
Sec. 1.3. Disqualification of applicants by Employment Subcommittee or Fire Chief.
This section shall apply to all applicants for sworn positions other than those covered by Article
IV of these Rules.
A. After notice and an opportunity to be heard, the Employment Subcommittee or
Fire Chief may disqualify an applicant or conditional employee for any of the
following reasons:
1. Theapplicantorconditionalemployeemadeafalsestatementofmaterial
fact during the hiring process;
2. Theapplicantorconditionalemployeecheatedorwasotherwisedishonest
during the hiring process;
3. The applicant or conditional employee is unfit for duty;
4. The applicant or conditional employee has excessively or illegally used
alcohol or drugs; or
5. The applicant or conditional employee is otherwise ineligible for
appointment.
B. Ifanapplicantisdisqualifiedduringtheapplicationprocess,theyheorsheshall
be allowed to continue through the process during the pendency of any appeal,
unless the FireChieforEmploymentSubcommitteespecificallyfindsthatdoing
sowouldbedetrimentaltotheapplicant,thepublic,ortheDepartment. However,
no disqualified applicant shall be eligible for a conditional job offer unless and
until any appeal is resolved in the applicant’s favor.
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ARTICLE II
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS
Sec. 2.1. Minimum requirements to be placed on ranked, certified promotional list
Promotions to the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain in theFireDepartmentshallbemadefrom
respective ranked certified promotional lists. In order to be placed on a ranked certified
promotional list, promotional candidatesmustsuccessfullycompletealloftherequirementsset
forthinthissection. Failuretodosowillautomaticallydisqualifythecandidatefromtheranked
certified promotional list for that promotional cycle.
A. Assessment CenterExam
1. A candidate for promotion must successfully complete the assessment
centerexam.
a. The assessment center exam shall be held at least once per year,
unless the Fire Chief and the Fire Union agree inwritingthatno
exam is necessary due to a lack of vacancies.
b. The exam shall be administered by the Fire Chief’sdesigneesan
independent third-party, and shall be scored.
c. The minimum passing score shall be 70%.
d. Once placed on a ranked, certified promotional list, candidates
must takeandpasstheassessmentcenterexameachyearinorder
to remain on the ranked certified promotional list.
e. Candidates who successfully complete the assessment centerwill
be eligible to participate in the interview process.
2. Prior to sitting for the assessment center exam, applicants must
successfully complete the following:
a. Time in Service: Each candidate for promotion must have the
minimum time in service, as required by § 2-59.4 of the City of
Portland Code of Ordinances, prior to placement on the ranked
certified promotional list. A candidate’s time in service shall be
certified by the Human Resources Department.
b. Training: A candidate for promotion mustsuccessfullycomplete
any required trainings and obtain any necessary certifications, as
established by the Fire Department. The required trainings and
certifications shall be related to the candidate’s ability to
successfully performthedutiesoftheranktowhichtheyareheor
she is seeking promotion. Trainings must be completed prior to
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sitting for the assessment center exam, and completion shall be
verified by the Fire Chief ortheirhisdesignee.
c. Departmental Officer Candidate Program: A candidate for
promotion must successfully complete the officer candidate
program established by the Fire Department. The Officer
Candidate Programmustbesuccessfullycompletedpriortobeing
eligible for promotion sitting for the assessment center exam,
unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Fire Chief.
B. Oral interview: A candidate for promotion must pass an oral interview, which
shallbescoredoutof15025points. Apassingscoreontheoralinterviewshallbe
9015points.
C. Acandidateforpromotionmustundergoafullbackgroundcheck,includinglocal,
state, and federal criminal history; civil court records; motor vehicle driving
records; and credit history.
D. Job suitability assessment:Priortoactualpromotion,acandidateAcandidatefor
promotionmusthaveacurrent,satisfactoryjobsuitabilityassessment.inorderto
be placed and maintained onarankedcertifiedpromotionallist. Anassessment
completed within the previous three years shallbeconsideredsufficienttomeet
these requirements. The Fire Chief may, at any time at theirhis or her sole
discretion, require a candidate to undergo a new assessment.
1. The job suitability assessment shall be performed by a licensed and
qualifiedpsychologistspecified by the Employment Subcommittee.
2. The job suitability assessment shall determine whether the candidate for
promotioncanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepromotionalposition
with or without accommodation.
3. The job suitability assessment shall also determine whether the
promotional candidate has any personality traits, behaviors, or
characteristics that might adversely affecttheirhis or herperformance.
Sec. 2.2. Order of candidates on ranked certified promotional list.
A. Tiered Ranked List.
1. Except as provided in (2) below, Ccandidates shall be placed on the ranked
certified promotional list in order of their score, with the highest scoring
individual ranking first on the list.
2. Candidates who have completed the officer candidate program at the time of
promotion shall be placed on a ranked list in order of their scores.
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Candidates whohavenotcompletedtheofficercandidateprogramatthetimeof
promotionshallalsobeplacedontherankedlist,intheorderoftheirscores,but
only after the list of fully qualified promotional candidates. They shall not be
eligible for promotion unless and until they complete the officer candidate
program.
B. Scoresshallbecalculatedbyaddingthenumericalvalueoftheassessmentcenter
exam score, the oral interview score, and seniority points, as calculated in
Subsection C below. Scores shall not be weighted.
C. Applicants shall receive one-half of a point for each year of service with the
Portland Fire Department, up to a maximum of 10 points.
D. Applicants for Lieutenant who have previously served as Portland Fire
DepartmentOfficerCandidateswillreceiveonepointforeachyearofserviceas
an Officer Candidate, up to a maximum of 5 points.
Ranked List Tiers¶
E. Ranked List: If the Fire Chief agrees in writing to allow candidates who have not
completedtheDepartmentalOfficerCandidateProgramtoparticipateinthepromotional
process, candidates who successfully pass both the assessment center and the oral
interview shall be positioned on the ranked list from high to low scores in one of two
tiers.¶
i. The upper tier is composed of candidates who have successfully
completed the assessment and interview process along with the
DepartmentalOfficerCandidateProgram. Allcandidatesintheuppertier
are eligible for promotion and to serve as Officer Candidates on apparatus¶
The lower tier is composed of candidates who have successfully completed the
assessment and interview process, but have not completed the Departmental
OfficerCandidateProgram. Theyareineligibleforpromotionuntiltheycomplete
theOfficerCandidateProgram. OncecertifiedasOfficerCandidates,theywillbe
eligible for promotion and toserveasOfficerCandidatesonapparatus,buttheir
position in ranked list will not change.
F. Candidates must successfully participate intheassessmentcenterandinterviewprocess
each time it is offered to remain on the ranked promotional list.
Sec. 2.3. Offers of promotion.
TheFireChiefmustappointcandidateswhoareeligibleforpromotionintheirorderofranking
unless one of the following occurs:
A. Thecandidatelackstheparticularskillsetorcertificationsforthevacantposition
basedonthepositionjobdescription. Ifthisoccurs,thecandidatewillremainon
the ranked certified promotional list intheirhis or heroriginal ranking;
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B. If a candidate refuses the promotion, then theyhe or she will be placed at the
bottom of the ranked certified promotional list; or
C. After notice and opportunity to be heard, the Fire Chief or the Employment
Subcommittee disqualifies the candidate for cause and removes themhimorher
from the ranked certified promotional list. The Fire Chief or Employment
Subcommittee must provide notice of any decision in writing.
Sec. 2.4. Validity of ranked certified promotional list.
A. The Chief may call for a new promotional process and ranked certified
promotional list at theirhis or her discretion. Eachrankedcertifiedpromotional
list shall be valid for no more than two years.
B. A list that would otherwise be invalidated pursuant tosubsectionAabove,may
nonetheless be used for promotions where the Fire Chief and theCityManager
both request in writing that it be used, and the Employment Subcommittee
determinesthat1)theprocesstoobtainanewlistwouldresultindelaythatwould
impair the ability of the Fire Department to meet its staffing needs in a
cost-effectivemanner,or2)theprocesstoobtainanewlistisnotlikelytoresult
in additional names on the ranked certified promotional list.
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ARTICLE III
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS
COMMAND STAFF – DEPUTY CHIEF
Sec. 3.1 Special Procedures for Appointment to Deputy Chief Position.
PursuanttotheCityofPortlandCodeofOrdinances§2-59.4(de),theCivilServiceEmployment
Subcommittee may provide by rule for special procedure for appointment to Fire Department
command staff. The adoption of thisruleherebywaivesanyrequirementstothecontraryin§
2-59.4.
Sec. 3.2 Deputy Chief Vacancies.
WhentheFireChiefdeterminesthatthereareDeputyChiefvacanciestobefilled,theymaypost
a notice and call for applications.
The Chief may, at their discretion, choose not to take new applications if there are qualified
candidateswhohavecompletedtheDeputyChiefpromotionalprocessinthepasttwelvemonths
and remain interested in the position. TheChiefmay,instead,requirethepreviouslyqualified
candidates to complete a new interviewandpromotefromthatprocess. theymayuseexisting
eligibleemployeesfortheinterviewprocesssolongasthelastassessmentcenterislessthanone
year old and there are more than one employee willing tointerview.Shouldthereonlybeone
employeewillingtointerview,anassessmentcenterwillbeoffered.heorsheshallpostanotice
and call for applications.¶
Sec. 3.3 Minimum Requirements to Apply for Deputy Chief.
Thefollowingshallbetheminimumrequirementsforanindividualtobepromotedtotherankof
Deputy Chief.
A. Minimum Time in Service. Applicants for promotion must have at least ten10
years of continuous service in the Department and at least four4 years as an
officer one year of continuous service as a captain in the Department as of the
date of application.
B. Minimum Education. Applicants for promotion must haveatleastanAssociates
Degree from an accredited institution as of the date ofappointmentapplication:
1. Preference will be given to applicantswhoholdaBachelorDegreefrom
an accredited institution.
2. Preferencewillbegiventoapplicantswhoholdadegreeinthefollowing
fields: Fire Science, Public Administration, Fire Protection, Fire
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Protection Engineering, Business Administration, Management,
Administration, or directly related field.
C. MinimumTrainings. Anapplicantforpromotionmustsuccessfullycompleteany
required trainings and obtain any necessary certifications, as established by the
Fire Department. Therequiredtrainingsandcertificationsshallberelatedtothe
candidate’s ability to successfully perform the duties of Deputy Chief.
D. CoverLetter,Resume,andActionPlan. Applicantsmustsubmitthefollowingto
theChief or their designeeCity of Portland Director of Human Resources:
1. Cover letter explaining applicant’s interest in the Deputy Chief position.
2. Resume detailing all relevant education and experience.
3. Action plan outlining the applicant’s goalsasDeputyChief,andspecific
actionstepsforachievingthosegoals.AnCreateandsubmitanactionplan
on a given fire service subject matter as assigned by the Fire Chief.
E. Assessment Center Exam. An applicant for promotion must have successfully
complete theassessmentcenterwithinthepastthreeyearsexam. Theminimum
required score shall be 70.
Assessment Center Longevity: Successful passing of a Deputy Chief
assessment center may be carried for up to 3 years.
F. Acandidateforpromotionmustundergoafullbackgroundcheck,includinglocal,
state, and federal criminal history,; civil court records; motor vehicle driving
records; and credit history.
G. Job suitability assessment: A candidate for promotion must have a current,
satisfactory job suitability prior to promotion. Anassessmentcompletedwithin
thepreviousthreeyearsshallbeconsideredsufficienttomeettheserequirements.
The Fire Chief may, at any time at theirhis or her sole discretion, require a
candidate to undergo a new assessment.
1. The job suitability assessment shall be performed by a licensed and
qualifiedpsychologistspecified by the Employment Subcommittee.
2. The job suitability assessment shall determine whether the candidate for
promotioncanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepromotionalposition
with or without accommodation.
3. The job suitability assessment shall also determine whether the
promotional candidate has any personality traits, behaviors, or
characteristics that might adversely affecttheirhis or herperformance.
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Sec. 3.4 Appointment Process for Deputy Chief.
After the application period is closed, the selection process shall proceed as follows:
A. Interview Panel.
1. An interview panel shall be convened. The panel shall consist of one
member of the Employment SubcommitteeaCivilServiceCommissioner
and any designees selected by the Fire Chief.
2. The interview panel shall select applicants for interview based on their
assessment center exam scores, cover letter, resume, and action plan.
3. The interview panel shall forward feedback on the applicantstotheFire
Chief.
B. Fire Chief’s Selection.
1. TheFireChiefmayrequestasecondinterviewwithanyapplicantsifthey
choosehe or she chooses.
2. The Fire Chiefshallappointtheapplicant(s)whomtheybelieveheorshe
arebelieves is best qualified to meet the managerial, professional, and
technical requirements of the available Deputy Chief position(s).
C. ConfirmationbyCityManager. TheFireChief’sappointmentiscontingentupon
confirmation by the City Manager.
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ARTICLE IV
FIRE DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENTS
COMMAND STAFF – ASSISTANT CHIEF AND DIVISION CHIEF
Sec.4.1 Special Procedures for Appointment to Assistant Chief and Division Chief
Positions.
Pursuant to the City of Portland Code of Ordinances § 2-59.4(de), the Civil Service
Subcommittee may provide by rule for special procedure for appointment to Fire Department
command staff. The adoption of thisruleherebywaivesanyrequirementstothecontraryin§
2-59.4.
Sec. 4.2 Assistant Chief and Division Chief Vacancies.
WhentheFireChiefdeterminesthatthereisanAssistantChiefand/orDivisionChiefvacancyto
befilled,theyheorsheshallpostanoticeandcallforapplications. TheFireChiefmaypostthe
vacancy within the Department and/or externally atsthe Fire Chief’s discretion.
Sec. 4.3 Minimum Requirements to Apply for Assistant Chief or Division Chief.
Thefollowingshallbetheminimumrequirementsforanindividualtobepromotedtotherankof
Assistant Chief or Division Chief.
A. MinimumTimeinService. Applicantsforpromotionmusthaveatleasttenyears
ofcontinuousserviceinthefireserviceandatleastfouryearsofserviceasafire
service officer as of the date of application.
B. Minimum Education. Applicants for promotion must haveanAssociatesDegree
from an accredited institution as of the date of application:
1. PreferencewillbegiventoapplicantswhoholdaBachelorsDegreefrom
an accredited institution.
2. Preferencewillbegiventoapplicantswhoholdadegreeinthefollowing
fields: Fire Science, Public Administration, Fire Protection, Fire
Protection Engineering, Business Administration, Management,
Administration, or directly related field.
C. Minimum Specialty Training and Experience. The Fire Chief may require
additional specialty training and experience as appropriate for the position.
D. Cover Letter and Resume. Applicants must submit the followingtotheCityof
Portland Director of Human Resources:
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1. Cover letter explaining applicant’s interest in the Assistant Chief or
Division Chief position.
2. Resume detailing all relevant education and experience.
Sec. 4.4 Appointment Process for Assistant Chief or Division Chief.
After the application period is closed, the selection process shall proceed as follows:
A. Interview Panel.
1. An interviewpanelshallbeconvened. Thepanelshallconsistofatleast
one member of the Employment Subcommittee a Civil Service
Commissioner, the Fire Chief, and at leastonememberfromtheCityor
Portland’sExecutiveOfficeand/orHumanResourcesDepartmenttheCity
of Portland Director of Human Resources.
2. The interview panel shall select applicants for interview based on their
cover letter and resume.
B. Fire Chief’s Selection. Based on the interviews, resumes, cover letters, and
history of work, the Fire Chief shall appoint the applicant whom theyhe or she
believes is best qualified to meet the managerial, professional, and technical
requirements of the available Assistant Chief or Division Chief position.
C. ConditionalOffer. WhereanapplicantfromoutsidetheDepartmentischosenfor
appointmentorwheretheFireChiefotherwisedeemsitappropriate,andaAftera
conditionalofferismade,theconditionalappointeemustcompletethefollowing
to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief:¶
D.
1. A candidate for promotion, or for original hire, must undergo a full
background check, including local, state, and federal criminal history,;
civilcourtrecords;motorvehicledrivingrecords;andcredithistory.Afull
background check, including local, state, and federal criminal history;
motor vehicle driving records; and credit history.
i. The disqualifying conditionsnvictions in Section 1.3 shall be the
minimum disqualifications applicable to appointees.
ii. However,theChief,intheirhisorherdiscretion,maydisqualifya
conditional appointee for any criminal background solongasthe
disqualification is reasonably related to the job requirements.
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2. Amedicalexamination. Themedicalexaminationshallbeperformedbya
qualified physician, and shall evaluate whethertheconditionalappointee
can perform the essential functions of the job with or without
accommodation.
3. A job suitability assessment.
i. Thejobsuitabilityassessmentshallbeperformedbyalicensedand
qualified psychologist.
ii. The job suitability assessment shall determine whether the
appointee can perform the essential functions of the job with or
without accommodation.
iii. The job suitability assessment shall also determine whether the
conditional appointee has any personality traits, behaviors, or
characteristics that might adversely affect theirhis or her
performance.
E. ConfirmationbyCityManager. TheFireChief’sappointmentiscontingentupon
confirmation by the City Manager.
¶
ADOPTED¶
Date: ______________________________¶
JonP. JenningsDanielle West¶
City Manager
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5/13/25, 3:58 PM City of Portland Mail - Captains Group response to the proposed D/C promotional process qualification Civil Service change.
Chad Johnston <johnstonc@portlandmaine.gov>
Captains Group response to the proposed D/C promotional process qualification Civil Service change.
2 messages
Ryan Walsh <rwalsh@portlandmaine.gov> Tue, May 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
To: Chad Johnston <johnstonc@portlandmaine.gov>, Casey Bunker <bunkerc@portlandmaine.gov>
To: Chief Chad Johnston
From: PFD Captain’s Group
Subject: Proposed D/C Promotional Process Civil Service Change.
Date: May 13, 2025
Chief,
Here is our response to your recent communication of planning to petition the Civil Service Commission for a change in the Deputy Chief
Promotional Process. The proposed change, to our understanding, is that a Lieutenant with more than 4 years in grade can sit for promotion to
the rank of Deputy Chief. We, as a group, strongly disagree with this proposal for the following reasons:
You have personally said it multiple times to this group that you wish to make the rank of Captain more valuable and respected. This
action directly devalues the rank of Captain, no argument needed.
This action will ultimately alienate a group of your field level supervisors for one of two reasons. If a Lieutenant is promoted over a viable
candidate that holds the rank of Captain, one could assume that there could be a decrease in the number of members wishing to seek
promotion to Captain. Promotion to Captain has always been the path to Deputy Chief, if that is now no longer a required step, less
members will take the test. If a Captain is always promoted over a Lieutenant, the number of Lieutenants willing to attempt to be promoted
directly to Deputy Chief will decrease. It is our belief that either of these scenarios will cause a decrease in members desiring to be
promoted to Lieutenant or Captain. This simply shifts your low numbers of candidates from one rank to another rank.
Collectively, we agree that there is an immense amount of knowledge and experience gained that you don't have the opportunity to gain at
the rank of Lieutenant. Administratively, you are responsible for station and apparatus upkeep, coordination of all shift personnel within
your company, etc. Current Deputy Chiefs will often state that they will look at Captains to bounce ideas off from in real time on shift. At
the rank of Captain you are exposed to more of the “3,000 foot view” required to be a successful and effective Deputy Chief.
There are currently three members qualified to interview for the next Deputy Chief vacancy, with more eligible to test for the position.
For these reasons, this group disagrees with your proposal to change civil service language for a problem that we do not believe exists.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=5a3ef1e923&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1832032575710482358&simpl=msg-f:1832032575710482358&simpl=msg-a:r1068340929250026117 1/2
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5/13/25, 3:58 PM City of Portland Mail - Captains Group response to the proposed D/C promotional process qualification Civil Service change.
Respectively Submitted,
The Captains Group
--
Captain Ryan Walsh
Rosemont Station
Ladder Co. 3/Medcu No. 3
Chad Johnston <johnstonc@portlandmaine.gov> Tue, May 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM
To: Ryan Walsh <rwalsh@portlandmaine.gov>
Cc: Casey Bunker <bunkerc@portlandmaine.gov>
received, thank you for the input
R/
Chad D. Johnston
Fire Chief
Portland Fire Department
Fire Headquarters
380 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
207-874-8401 office
207-590-8950 cellular
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