Can you become a fire fighter with a DUI?

Answer 1

Re-"Can you become a firefighter with a DUI?"

I am a district fire chief in south Florida. The question isn't a fair question because the answer to this isn't so simple! In actuality it is possible to be hired on with a DUI depending on your circumstances. There are some departments where officers will hire new firefighters whom they personally know before the open process. These departments are usually smaller departments where the city or county regulations and laws arent as strict as larger ones. Dont think this means that its anywhere near easy to get hired on with a DUI on you record... 1st of all 90% of departments wont even consider hiring you when you have a DUI on your record because not only is it an insurance expense for the department but its also a known liability that most departments wont consider taking . At our department here in Florida we wont consider anyone with a DUI or felony conviction no exception and I know for effect the three closest handle thes hiree's the same way! The best advice I could give someone with a DUI or felony on their record that's interested in joing the fire service is that, unless you know a high ranking officer whose word has pull and can guarantee you a job in the department, then your looking down a road that's probably gonna disapoint you after you spend the time and money for school> also find out from your local departments if they do accept interviews with interested Felons or DUI's... hope this helps.

Chief Doug Calhoun