Cheaper Jobs By The Dozen

As the temperature rose Monday in Miami, Florida so did the tension.

Over one thousand Miami residents waited to apply for one of the 35 open positions in the Miami Fire Department. Some had camped out for over two days. It was a scene right out of the movie “Invincible”, all 1,200 applicants hoping to play the role of Vince Papale.

This is the first time in ten years the MFD has openly accepted applications.

With the possibility of a stable job looming on the horizon many arrived early Saturday morning to stake a claim in line. There were those that brought lawn chairs, others sleeping bags, and an overwhelming amount brought nothing more than anxiety and fear induced by a flailing economy. True colors were shown by most as information was spread that only the first 750 applications were going to be taken.

The front of the line was secured at 5 AM, Saturday (50 hours earlier) by Alejandro Valdez. When asked about his urban camping trip Valdez replied, ” It was freezing Saturday night, and it was raining last night, and then, during the day, it was hot.”

The consensus among those waiting was that despite the lengthy line and less than ideal weather, enduring the elements was worth it to possibly safeguard a future for themselves and those dependent upon them.

Even though the Cinderella story of flight 1519 might be the one chosen for a movie by Hollywood, any of the 35 applicants selected for duty in the MFD might disagree when asked which course of events has given them hope for the future.