Curiosity

[Just Wondering]

When I was 20, I was charged with possession of 1/2 a gram of marijuana. I was put through a diversion program since it was my first offense. I know that this looks really bad applying to become a firefighter, but will it prevent me from becoming one in the future?

[fire49]

Misdemeanor or felony???


How old are you now???

[fire49]

Each city is different

You have to look at the disqualifiers for each city

[JCHeights]

When I was 20, I was charged with possession of 1/2 a gram of marijuana. I was put through a diversion program since it was my first offense. I know that this looks really bad applying to become a firefighter, but will it prevent me from becoming one in the future?

Dude thats nothing, there's guys on the job with felonys arrests. And if it was a first offense they probably dropped the conviction. Your arrest will still show up on a background check though. Just Make sure that you have all your proper court paperwork if they ask, like expoungments and/or first offense programs. Dont ever lie about it but dont mention it either if they dont ask.

You"ll be fine, and if they give you any ****t just get a good civil service lawyer and appeal.

[Just Wondering]

It is a misdemeanor. I am 21 now but I am thinking about Air Force service after college before I persue any firefighting career

[OHFirestopper]

It is a misdemeanor. I am 21 now but I am thinking about Air Force service after college before I persue any firefighting career

It all depends on the city I think. The offense is very minor yes, but there are a ton of other applicants with nothing on their record.

[TL678]

It is a misdemeanor. I am 21 now but I am thinking about Air Force service after college before I persue any firefighting career

Good choice on joining the military. Most depts have a 5 yr window when it comes to drugs. Keep your record spotless while you serve and you should be good to go.

[fire49]

Same advice. Just check each cities policy

Not sure if air force will take you

Have you checked??

[Just Wondering]

It's going to be difficult for me to join the Air Force, but not impossible. I would need a waiver in order to excuse this, but it's no guarantee.

If the Security Forces doesn't work out, I am going to persue the Army equivalent of that, the Military Police, which is a bit less selective.

If all else fails and I don't get into either, It will just speed up me persuing a firefighting career

I was thinking about joining a volunteer fire company in my area and I've already filled out applications. The one company that I am pushing for only asks if I have been convicted of a felony. Will this misdemeanor prevent me from becoming a volunteer since it wasn't that long ago?

[Just Wondering]

I don't think I included this yet but the diversion program expunged it from my record, but I'm sure that it will still show up in a background check

[boburgess117]

I wouldn't fill it out on an application, but if you make it to a background, tell your background investigator up front so its not a surprise when he finds it(and he will).

I have no idea how much 1/2 a gram is but it doesn't sound like a lot. I know that background investigators I've talked to have said you need 5 years from a DUI to even be considered, and even then its you versus someone with none. Just something to ponder.

[fire49]

We require report any arrest/ conviction no matter if it has been cleared by court

You might check on mp job , air force I hear just guards gates, not real police work, and sometimes might need secret clearance, which drug action might mess up