eligibility

[NY'er]

Can you become a fireman, paid or volunteer, if you've been convicted of a felony? I've accomplished a good deal of positive things since this dumb mistake, and I did a lot of good previous to it. Look forward to knowledgeable responses. Also' I been a certified emt (non working) for 12 years.

[SilverCity4]

Sure, but it will be harder for both paid and volunteer. I say harder, but it's just that your choices will be narrowed.

What kind of felony you were convicted of will have bearing also. For instance, if you were convicted of arson, I wouldn't hold my breath.

If I were you, I'd do everything I could to have my record expunged (sp?). It's surely a lot better to have it off your record.

Good luck.

[Smoke286]

Not in my country, A criminal record precludes you from becoming a firefighter.

[NCRSQ751]

It will probably depend on the department and what the felony was. Some states preclude anyone ever convicted of a violent felony from having an EMT or higher EMS certification which might be required for a position (career or volunteer).

My rescue squad requires the felony and the end of the sentance (jail or probation) be at least 5 years in the past.

I suggest you be honest about it with whatever department you are going to try to join or be hired by. They will run a check on you anyway (almost guaranteed). They will also appreciate forthright honesty over any kind of defensiveness.

[NY'er]

I appreciate the replies so far. I do plan to be totally honest , as I have nothing to hide. I made a mistake over 10 years ago and I take full responsibility for my actions. I know its a competetive field but I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't totally confident that I would be a solid contribution to any company. Look forward to more responses.

[Wildfire]

An arson conviction precludes you from being a firefighter in my state. I would recommend you contact your local Fire Dept. and check with their policies. I would also recommend checking with your state fire adminstrator's office as there is most likely legislation which would answer some of your questions.

[Steamer]

In Ohio, a felony conviction of any kind would prohibit admission into any recruit class. And you have to have completed the recruit class within 1 year of an original appointment.
Additionally, if it wasn't reported on the application you would have the certification revoked.

[FireCapt1951retired]

If you have strightened out and led an honest life,if this was your only conviction you may have the option of having the conviction expunged and removed from the records.

Go talk to an attorney and find out what the state requires for expungement. My state requires that you only have one conviction and you must wait a minimum of 10 years before requesting your record to be expunged.