Testing Glitch Could Result in Firefighter Promotions

A glitch in the civil service testing process means every Dallas firefighter who took a recent promotion exam -- passed.

So even firefighters who might have otherwise flunked the test could eventually be promoted to lieutenant.

City officials failed to create the racially diverse panel needed to set the comparative baseline for determining the passing grade, the Dallas Morning News reported. In addition, some panel members may have tainted the process by discussing the exam with the candidates.

An investigation is under way.

Authorities didn't want people who originally took the exam in good faith on May 5 to have to retake it. An official with the Dallas Civil Service Department said the decision was made that the best thing to do -- was pass everybody.

All 150 firefighters still face an interview panel to assess their individual capabilities.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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