The Paddy Brown Program - Overview
Situation:  The chronic economic recession in the United States coupled with a military drawdown leaves many of our post-9/11 veterans extremely challenged to find adequate and fulfilling employment in what will soon be a post "War on Terror" period. This dynamic is contrary to the favorable opportunities that the veterans of World War II, the Korean War and event Vietnam enjoyed. Many of the young men and women who selflessly served our nation post-9/11 would greatly benefit from the opportunity to join and excel in the fire rescue service. The fire service affords our post-9/11 military veterans with a natural transition from the military to a similar response oriented profession deeply rooted in the virtues of service and sacrifice. The recession induced staffing cutbacks to metropolitan fire departments have made the entry process for a historically coveted occupation even more competitive. Our nation's post-9/11 veterans, the U.S. fire service and our American communities would benefit greatly from a strategic campaign that offers veterans increased access to employment opportunities in the fire and rescue service. Currently no such campaign or holistic program exists.