Firefighter hopefuls get chance 16 years later

The first of about 900 black applicants have arrived at the Chicago Fire Academy for a second chance to become firefighters.

A federal appeals court ruled that the Chicago Fire Department was wrong to reject the candidates and the department must hire 111 black firefighters and pay thousands of other applicants who were rejected. In 2005, a federal judge ruled that a test given to candidates a decade earlier had discriminated against blacks.

On Tuesday, about 80 hopefuls were expected to perform pull-ups, carry fire hoses and do other exercises. Many are now in their 40s and 50s. Several candidates say they’re still happy to be considered for jobs.