Saturday, May 10, 2003- A Superior Court judge Friday refused a plea from firefighters to block an examination today for pumper engineer.

Judge Barbara Sheedy denied the application for an ex-parte injunction filed by five firefighters.

However, the judge did grant the firefighters a May 19 hearing on their claim.

City Personnel Director John Colligan said that as a result of the judge's decision the exam for pumper engineer will go forward today as planned. It will be administered at 8:30 a.m. at Central High School.

Colligan said he wasn't familiar with the lawsuit and couldn't comment on it, but added there were some firefighters who applied to take the exam but didn't have the seniority and grade necessary.

The lawsuit was filed by firefighters Cindy Mattera, Alberto Hernandez, Juan Hernandez Jr., Craig Morgan and David Diaz.

They claim the Civil Service Commission's refusal to let them take the exam is a violation of the city charter.

DANIEL TEPFER