LYNN — As the city’s top firefighter prepares for retirement, four competitors have lined up to compete for the post.
The hopefuls, including District Chiefs Steve Archer, Timothy Collier, Arthur Richard, and Michael McBride faced a team of interviewers last week.
MMA Consulting Group Inc., a Plymouth company, held a so-called Assessment Center at City Hall comprised of an expert panel that interviews the candidates. Over eight hours, they were asked to respond to real-life situations. The interviewers grade each applicant, the scores are then ranked and sent to Civil Service. The top three picks are forwarded to the mayor who can choose among them.
The selection is expected to take place in January. The job pays upwards of $100,000 a year.
Chief James McDonald, who was selected as chief and deputy chief through an Assessment Center, said the process is grueling.
“It’s very nerve wracking,” he said. “They definitely take you out of your comfort zone. They put you in certain scenarios and you have to make decisions and they base their scores on your responses.”
The test consists of questions about things that will face the chief including budget, personnel, substance abuse, sexual harassment, and dealing with political groups, such as the City Council and civic groups.
“At the end of the day, you realize all those scenarios connect,” he said.
The exam is not just about putting out fires, McDonald said, it has more to do with running a department.
“While the scenarios include activity at a fire scene and emergency response, the thinking is if you don’t know how to put out a fire by now, you shouldn’t be taking this exam.”
Forty years after he fought his first serious fire, McDonald plans to retire next month at 62.
Mayor-elect Thomas M. McGee did not respond to request for comment.
