Annual Education Day Report

Most people never stop and think about all the behind the scenes office work that is necessary to keep the fire department running efficiently. Plenty of materials are printed each year to educate people about the fire department and fire safety. Senior staff members also speak to groups about fire safety. In addition, records are kept of the work the fire department has done, and thousands of letters need to be answered from the public who have questions, comments and praise for the FDNY.

This is all part of Charlene's job, along with ordering products and equipment, helping compile data and planning out of town trips.

Charlene began her career path during her last two years of high school, when she was one of several students asked to help students in lower grades learn how to solve problems. She felt a sense of satisfaction helping others accomplish their tasks.

After school, she got a civil service job working for the city, and passed tests to climb the ladder moving up level by level to reach the job she has today. She also had to meet the educational requirements necessary for this position, which include:

• A baccalaureate degree from college.
• Three years of working full time handing administrative office responsibilities.
• One year of being a supervisor, or running the office.

It is important to have the skills, but Charlene adds that you need more. "The types of personal qualities that are important for this job are integrity, reliability, self-assurance and independence."