Medal Of Honor Marine May Join FDNY

New York City asked a federal judge for permission Monday to re-open its books for aspiring firefighters so that a decorated US Marine can realize his dream to join the New York City Fire Department.

City officials said they hoped that for 24 hours beginning at midnight Monday, Medal of Honor winner Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer -- and anyone else who wants to become a New York City firefighter -- can submit applications online to become one of the city's bravest.

Officials said US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis must give them a green light before they go ahead with the plan.

The judge has been overseeing efforts to increase the number of minorities in the fire department's ranks after a bitter Justice Department lawsuit.

Garaufis has already indicated to Meyer's attorney, Keith Sullivan, that he would not oppose the city's wish to re-open the application period to accommodate the Marine.

In an official memorandum earlier Monday, the judge advised Sullivan that the decision to re-open the FDNY's books belonged to the city, as long as it explains its rationale and details how the city plans to publicize the temporary extension of the application deadline.

Meyer said he missed the earlier two-month application window because of the whirlwind of events surrounding his Medal of Honor tribute. President Barack Obama presented the award to Meyer on Sept. 15.

Meyer, 23, of Columbia, Ky., told the FDNY last Tuesday that he wanted to join the department but was informed that the deadline had just passed -- and that he would have to wait another four years.

"It's something I've always wanted to do. It's a way I feel I can do my part in giving back to America," Meyer said this weekend after tossing a ceremonial pitch at Citi Field.

Meyer said he found inspiration from the sacrifices made by city firefighters on 9/11.

"I have tons of respect for them. It's a job that brave men and women do every day," said Meyer, whose grandfather was a firefighter in Kentucky.

Meyer received the award for personally evacuating 36 soldiers and killing at least eight Taliban during an intense gun battle in Afghanistan in 2009. He was the first living Marine since the Vietnam War to earn the medal.

After learning of his efforts to become a firefighter, New York City officials said they were sympathetic.

"We feel his extraordinary service merits briefly reopening the filing period," said Julianne Cho, a spokeswoman for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which administers the FDNY exam set for January. Read more: NYPost