The following information was posted on a firefighter bulletin board. The author is unknown. The information is not verified. Use it only food for thought:
To those curious to know if we background investigators share information the answer is yes. It does depend on the individual agency however.
Some have strict guideline as to what information can be shared with other investigators. Our purpose as background investigators is to gather information on a potential firefighter, "good" and "negative" information.
A good aggressive background investigator will dig deep into a candidates life and look for things to disqualify a candidate. We as background investigators want to eliminate the "BAD SEEDS" before they get into a fire department.
This does not mean that a firefighter candidate has to lead the "Perfect Life", just don't do anything stupid to get yourself in trouble.
Remember to use your best judgement when completing a background packet. If you do not put that you were backgrounded for another agency and the investigator finds out, you will definitely be disqualified.
Captain Bob's reply:
To my knowledge, there is no black list that would reveal if you had a background with another department and failed. However, most credit reports show who has made an inquiry on your report. These reports aren't usually obtained by the city though, but by another company on the cities request.
I'm not sure I would list a department that I was DQ'd in background. I wouldn't want to give them ammunition to shoot me with again. Why create the trail?
Absolutely nothing counts 'til you have the badge. Nothing!
"Captain Bob"
Ask "Captain Bob" Any Question
Fire "Captain Bob" Smith has coached countless entry level and promotional candidates to get their badge. He is a retired 28-year Hayward, Ca. Captain, speaker/author of the audio/video program "Conquer the Job Interview," the book "Fire Up Your Communication Skills" ISBN 09657620-6-8 and a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. You can book him as a speaker or get a copy of his books and tapes by calling toll free at 888-238-3959.
E-mail: captbob@verio.com Web site: http://www.eatstress.com