Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nick Jackhammer P.I. on December 27, 2008 at 6:00pm

Well, I am not they type of person who would lie. I think if asked I would probably tell them the truth. I know for a fact that my daily actions and attitude, if given the job, would erase any and all doubt from anyone's minds in regards to wheather or not I am a stand up guy. Which I think is all I need, a chance.

Permalink Reply by FETC on December 27, 2008 at 7:47pm

First off, where I work we have a very thorough background check. They send a person to your listed references, not to speak to them, but to ask them for additional names of people you know in which you didn't list... (nobody lists a bad reference as a primary referral) they follow the chain of "who knows you" until they are either satisfied or not.

Then our city uses the polygraph test and I am pretty sure if you were to NOT devulge a criminal past or even an expunged felony, that information would show some blip on the poly and boom your gone. I am told the test is looking at three primary things: how honest you are, criminal history and more specifically drug related issues, as we have controlled drugs on our ALS apparatus.

Another thought if you are looking for fulltime firefighter... and again in my state we use the National Registry for EMT Certifications. EMT-B, EMT-I and Paramedic. My state requires you to be FF2, NREMT-B, C2F2 - Career Firefighter Module and CPAT. If my memory serves me correctly I believe there is a section on the NREMT application and recertification paperwork regarding a felony. I may be wrong, but I thought you couldn't even be a NREMT if you had a DWI. I am not a lawyer and my memory could be totally wrong, but soemthing else you may want to check into.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what I tell the college tech fire science students... Keep in mind that things you do and get caught up in during these crazy college years may ruin your future career.

Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on December 27, 2008 at 8:05pm

No FETC you are Correct...NREMT will not allow felonies...and in some states (NY for example) DWI is a felony...Paul

Permalink Reply by Nick Jackhammer P.I. on December 27, 2008 at 8:23pm

Application for certification by individuals convicted of crimes in the following categories unless at least five years have passed since the conviction OR five years have passed since release from custodial confinement whichever occurs later:

b. Crimes involving controlled substances or synthetics, including unlawful possession or distribution, or intent to distribute unlawfully, Schedule I through V drugs as defined by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.

It has been 10 years since this has happened, so I would think I would be fine for NREMT certification?

Permalink Reply by Nick Jackhammer P.I. on December 27, 2008 at 9:42pm

Seems to me there is no clear cut answer to this? NREMT has a 5 year policy and if expunged some say a FD could hire me and some say they wont?

Permalink Reply by FETC on December 27, 2008 at 9:46pm

I guess it all comes down to each individual organization's background and hiring criteria. There are some out there that hardly do a background check, and some I have seen that don't even do a medical physical... so guess would be to pursue it and hope for the best...

Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on December 27, 2008 at 11:33pm

I believe your best bet is to consult an attorney and see what your options are. Most of them will give you a free initial consultation. Stop in the local F.D. or one of the surrounding towns and talk to the Fire Chief. He/She can give you the best "no B.S." answer as to whether you've got a chance to get hired or not. Good luck & stay safe!

Permalink Reply by PA Firefighter on December 27, 2008 at 11:45pm

Good luck. We won't hire who has a felony conviction cause once their in the union won't allow random testing. It will be tough to explain that it wasn't your stuff cause everyone says that. If your clean I hope you get a job.

Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on December 28, 2008 at 12:56am

After reading through your original post and the comments, here's what I noted...

First off, don't fool yourself here, what your friends did to you was take away your chance to get a job that is based on trust and personal character. When people think of firefighters, and this includes non-firefighters that are involved in the hiring process, an image comes to mind, and many times it includes those who have given the ultimate sacrifice... You are competing against an image... I realize that the stereotype of a felon does not match you but there are pieces of paper out there that say something else. There is just too much competition out there for you to realistically get a job that asks the question on the interview, have you ever been convicted of a felony.

One person that you have not been counseled to discuss this with is the human resources person for the agency you want to get hired by. This is where you need to go for specific job hiring requirements. If you can make things go away, this may or may not happen and it will cost you a lot of coin. You still have to answer the question, have you ever been convicted of a felony...

Being an honest person, and telling the truth here will seal your fate... Your desire to help others may have to be expressed in another form. I'm not sure how old you are but why not go to school and get a speciality certification that will enable you to help others? The medical field is wide open and may not face the same requirements as a sworn public servant.

I think if you simply pray on it, you will be given the right direction and answers that you are looking for. Take what you read on a public forum for what it is... personal opinions, some helpful and others not. Like Art, I believe in second chances. I hope you get yours.

TCSS, Mike

Permalink Reply by Nick Jackhammer P.I. on December 28, 2008 at 12:28pm

Thanks Scott, you're encouragement is priceless.

Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on December 28, 2008 at 1:13pm

Well....you seem to have all the answers....So then, why ask us...?? It comes down to one thing as I see it....You are a convicted felon...and if you ask if you would get hired....?? As I see it for what is presented is no, you wouldn't.... I am sure that you are different from others....but, I work in a State Correctional facility and the place is full of people that "Didn't do it." Sorry but that's how I read it.....Take care and good luck.....Paul

Permalink Reply by Nick Jackhammer P.I. on December 28, 2008 at 1:37pm

I don't have all the answers, hence, my question here. I appreciate the honesty from all, and the encouragement from some. I guess it's all in God's hands now.

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