We’ve all
heard the stories of people looking for jobs in the fire service, and some thing they
considered a minor problem in their past has kept them out of the fire service. Lets make
sure not to add our selves to that list.
Nothing will get
you kicked out of the background check faster than a D.U.I or a domestic violence charge.
Both usually involve drugs or alcohol. Don’t be stupid. If you are going to be
drinking have a designated driver, get a cab, stay in a motel, hell sleep under a bridge,
but don’t risk throwing all of the time, education, and dreams you had for so long
away over a lapse in judgment.
If you’ve
been in a bad relationship, and you don’t get along with that person, make it easy on
everyone and just stay the hell away from them. It is so easy for things to get out of
hand and then the police are there, and latter on you’re having to explain it to a
background investigator.
“But I’m
the best firefighter in the world, if they could just see how good I am they’d take
me for sure”. I’ll tell you right now it ain’t so. Robert Downey Jr. is
probably one of the better actors out there. Do you expect to see him on another T.V. show
any time soon? Don’t bet on it. If a dept. has 100 people to pick from, they don’t
need to take a chance on someone that has blown it in the past, so don’t blow it. If
by chance you end up in one of these situations you need to do every thing you can to
minimize the damage. I’m not talking about doing a “Bill Clinton”, but
anything you have to do to make it right. I know of one guy who told his girlfriend he
wanted to break up, and she had thought they were going to get married. In the scuffle
that in sued she got a scratch on her and then the police arrived. He was being charged
with domestic violence, and was in the hiring process for a dept. He had to make up with
her, get her to say it wasn’t his fault she was scratched, and then keep her happy so
she doesn’t change her mind.
With all of the
preparation we all must go through to get this job, keep in mind to protect your record.
Do every thing you can to not have to be explaining things to a background investigator.
Prepare before you go out to have a good time, make all of the necessary arrangements
before you’ve been drinking, while your head is clear. If you get into any sticky
situations that look like they might go bad, there is one solution that’s never
failed me RUN LIKE HELL, AND DON’T LOOK BACK.
Good Luck
FIREFIGHTER ROB
NRTC@SONIC.NET
http://www.eatstress.com
Rob is Captain Bob's Son. He works for Contra Costa fire department.
He does all the entry level coaching by phone nationwide. You can contact him
direct with your questions or set up a coaching appointment @ 707-869-1330. or
e-mail @ nrtc@sonic.net