Can a felon be a fire fighter?

Answer 1

In the State of Illinois, a convicted felon can serve as a volunteer firefighter. However, most departments/districts require background checks on perspective members and most volunteer districts/departments will not allow convicted felons to serve on their department. I do know of 2 volunteer departments in central Illinois that currently have convicted felons serving as volunteers because, the nature of their felonies were not violent. In short it all depends on the by-laws of each individual department and/or district. I don't know of any volunteer department or district that will allow a person convicted of a violent crime to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

Answer 2

Even though I have a felony for stealing a car when I was drunk, I have been a volunteer firefighter and first responder for five years. Smaller towns don't perform background checks because they don't have the time or the money, which is needed for updating equipment. Larger towns are more likely to perform background checks. If being paid is a possibility, I recommend that you tell the chief that you have a felony. However, you're not required to tell anyone else.

Answer 3

to be a fire fighter you have to have a clean record, because you are doing public civil service.

Answer 4

It is not likely for a felon to become a firefighter in the state of California. The state will not take a risk to put a felon in a position of public safety.

Answer 5

No, in Iowa you cannot have a felony on your record if you wish to become a firefighter.