Employemnt questions. HELP?

[derek1313]

I want to become a fire fighter. What should I do to give myself a better shot. 1. get EMT Basic Cert. 2. Join Army reserves as a fire fighter 3. Become a volunteer. Also I had a DUI about 4 years ago is that gonna kill me right there. Thanks and any feedback you may have is appreciated

[ChiefReason]

Derek:
I would suggest a few years in the volunteer ranks for many reasons.
In Illinois, most career fire departments won't hold it against you coming from a volunteer department. The less they have to train you initially and the quicker you can get up to speed, the better they like it.
A few more years will get you farther away from that DUI. You should tell your department about it. They may restrict your driving with the department, but that is understandable, based on the current nature of the insurance industry.
You will decide if you really want to do it if you start out vollie.
You might decide that you would rather do something else.
Good luck to you.
CR

[Ratchet]

Derek,

I've been calling a lot of departments lately, and it seems as though the majority of them want you to be an EMT-B first. Don't get me wrong, there are some out there that will take you right off the street, but they're few and far between... and, at least the ones I've talked to, they have very strict distance requirements. So getting on with a department may involve moving. If you are sure this is what you want to do, I would definately pursue your EMT-B. It'll put you that much closer, and it will show initiative.

[Patrick631]

Derek,

What area of the state do you live in? And your age could be a factor, you can't test after age 35 in most places.

Patrick