Past mistakes, DUI, MIP           

I’ve been asked this question several times: “Is there any chance of getting hired as a Firefighter if I’ve had a DUI (Driving Under the Influence of alcohol) or MIP (Minor in Possession of alcohol)?” Well the answer
is maybe. Sorry, not much help but it really is situation specific. Let me
explain.

All of us have done things that we are not proud of in our youth.  Getting into some trouble when you’re in your teens is apart of growing up. That’s where the “maybe” is.
A mistake from your past can be considered acceptable IF you’ve learned from
your mistake.  One MIP at seventeen
can be “overlooked”, three will not be. 
The importance here is that you learn from your mistakes.  Another question is how much time has
passed sense the “mistake”. If you’re 22 and you got a DUI 2 months prior. You
will probably not be considered for a position.yes"">  The reason for this is it takes time to prove this was a one
time unfortunate event.

The fact is you’re competing against 100s of potential candidates for often time a few positions. yes""> Someone with a very checkered past that doesn’t learn from his mistakes is going to have a difficult time competing.

So here is my suggestion for overcoming this situation. First, don’t make the mistake! I know many are saying “too late now”.  You need to keep your record clean from here on out. Drinking and driving is a very serious issue. The department that
is hiring you will not tolerate this. I have seen firefighters loose their job
due to a DUI. Second, be honest about the error in judgment. Explain that it
was a very serious mistake that I made, I’ve learned from the mistake and
understand the seriousness of drinking and driving. yes""> Own up to it, be honest about it, and stress that you’ve
learned from it.

As a firefighter we are held to a high standard. We are in people’s homes, taking care of their property and families. The public will not tolerate a firefighter that can’t be held to a high moral standard.  

Good luck and be safe!