R.P., CSC Docket No. 2025-1737

BackgroundR.P. requests permission to submit a late application for the promotional examination for Fire Captain (PM1933G), Paterson.

The announcement for the subject examination issued on February 1, 2025 with an application deadline of February 21, 2025. An abbreviated, one-page application was used for this announcement, and no detailed information regarding education, experience, training, etc., was required. One hundred forty-six applicants have been admitted to the examination. The appellant did not submit an application. Agency records also indicate that the appellant contacted Online Application Support for technical assistance on February 25, 2025.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal to the Civil Service Commission (Commission), the appellant acknowledges that the delay in seeking technical support was his responsibility. However, he explains that he had been unwell and out of work. Shortly thereafter, two of his three daughters also became sick. The appellant explains that having been diagnosed with an embolism in 2020, any illness triggers significant anxiety and health concerns. Additionally, he notes that he has been battling renal failure for the past five years, and this condition continues to impact his daily life. The appellant maintains that the combination of these health issues and the technical difficulties he encountered hindered his ability to meet the application deadline. In support, the appellant provides a medical note that indicates the appellant “was seen for a virtual visit today, [February 8, 2025]. Please be advised that he may return to work on full duty tomorrow, [February 9, 2025].”

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.1(e) provides, in pertinent part, that applications for promotional examinations shall be submitted no later than 4:00 P.M. on the announced application filing date.

AnalysisUpon review, the Commission declines to permit the appellant to file a late application. The appellant cites technical difficulties, yet he did not seek assistance until days after the application deadline. The record reflects that dozens of individuals were able to submit applications. As to the health issues involving the appellant and his daughter, the Commission is sympathetic. However, these issues still cannot justify permitting a late application because the appellant’s supporting documentation – the medical note – indicates that he was seen on February 8, 2025 and cleared to “return to work on full duty” on February 9, 2025, which date was well before the application deadline. In short, the appellant was afforded a three-week window to file an abbreviated, one-page application that did not require the submission of any detailed information regarding education, experience, training, or other background. Accordingly, the Commission cannot find a sufficient basis in the record to allow the appellant to file a late application.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this request be denied.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.