According to the NYPOST, the FDNY has dropped the the required physical skills test for probationary firefighters before they get hired.

The move comes from first year Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, and it allows probationary firefighters to fail components of the Functional Skills Training test but still graduate from the academy. This comes amid criticism of the department's low hiring rate of women.

The FST drills require many things including: Advancing a heavy tire 6-8 feet, raising a ladder up a wall, as well as breaching holes in a ceiling. All this must be done while wearing an oxygen tank with limited air.

Commissioner Nigro revealed this at a hearing on Wednesday at a City Concil meeting, where it was questioned weather the skills test was responsible for only having 44 women on the force that has 10,500 members.

According to Department officials 95% of men pass the physical test , where only 57% of women pass.

Some former Department officials think this is lowering the standards of the FDNY, how do you feel?

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