Run Like Hell!
You are interested in a career in the fire service. The jobs are out there. And, as a matter of fact, we’ve all heard the stories about people looking for fire service jobs even though they feared something from their past would stop them from earning the badge. It might be something big or small holding you back. Let’s take a closer look at how your past can affect your future.
Here’s the cold, hard truth. 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. So, don’t be stupid.
If you are going out drinking, make sure you have a designated driver. If that is not the case, call Uber, Lyft, or a traditional cab. I don’t care if you need to stay in a motel, or sleep under a bridge, DO NOT risk throwing away your time, education, and dream because of a lapse in judgment.
Ever been in a bad relationship? You might not get along with that person. Make it easy on everyone and stay the hell away from him or her. It is too easy for things to get out of hand. Before you know it, the police are involved. And, later, you’ll have to explain your situation to a background investigator. You do not want that.
I’ve heard the same story a hundred times. It goes like this. “But I’m the best firefighter in the world. If they could just see how good I am, they’d take me for sure.” Let me be perfectly clear. This isn’t so.
Here is how it works. If a fire department has 100 people in front of them, they don’t need to take a chance on someone that comes with baggage. Not only do they not need it, but they also don’t want it. Someone who has blown it in the past isn’t going to get the chance. So, please don’t blow it.
If by chance, you end up in one of these situations, I suggest you do everything possible to minimize the damage. You heard me. I said everything because If you want a career in fire service, you have to make it right.
With all the preparation we go through to earn the badge, you have to protect your record. Do everything you can to avoid having to explain things to a background investigator. Prepare before you go out. Make the necessary arrangements before you’ve been drinking and while your head is clear. If you get into a sticky situation, there is one solution that’s never failed me… RUN LIKE HELL, AND DON’T LOOK BACK.
Captain Bob
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