County Drops Probe Into Firefighters’ Test

Los Angeles County has dropped an investigation into reports that surfaced earlier this year that prospective firefighters may have seen an entry-level aptitude test in advance. Officials determined that “it wasn’t worth it” to continue, it was disclosed Thursday.

Harry Koulos, head of special investigations for the county’s chief administrative office, said the probe was abandoned several weeks ago. To try and determine who may have been at fault in connection with four examinations administered over the last decade would have required a “tremendous amount of time and effort,” Koulos said. “It wasn’t going to prove a damn thing.”

After reports of possible cheating surfaced in March, County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman called for a new exam and retesting of the candidates. The new exam, prepared by a private firm, was given to 3,387 prospects on June 28. Freeman estimated that more than half of those who took the test received passing grades.