Past Drug Use and the application process

[djthemac]

Howdy all! I tried to search for this topic and i found one thread but I don't know if it gave the best advice. Heres my situation, I am currently a volunteer firefighter and I am in school to attain my Paramedic degree next year.

I was recently made aware that your past history of drug use is usually one of the areas on the background check, and I am wondering if my history would preclude me from employment. During my senior year of high school and freshman year of college I smoked marijuana less then 5 times, tried psilopsybin mushrooms once, and dabbed a bit of cocaine on my gums twice (no effect on the central nervous system). Since then (2003) I haven't touched anything. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[wfrems21]

Howdy all! I tried to search for this topic and i found one thread but I don't know if it gave the best advice. Heres my situation, I am currently a volunteer firefighter and I am in school to attain my Paramedic degree next year.

I was recently made aware that your past history of drug use is usually one of the areas on the background check, and I am wondering if my history would preclude me from employment. During my senior year of high school and freshman year of college I smoked marijuana less then 5 times, tried psilopsybin mushrooms once, and dabbed a bit of cocaine on my gums twice (no effect on the central nervous system). Since then (2003) I haven't touched anything. Thanks in advance for any insight.

First, alot of people on this forum will probably judge you. Me, I will not. I had a secret clearance in the military (honorable discharge), and have been employed with my dept. for 10 years. In my youth, I can assure you I have done alot worse than you. Hell, you are a alter boy compared to my previous love of MJ and mushrooms. Gotten older, and much wiser. If you have no record of any drug related charges, you should be golden. . This to me sounds as though you are concerned, because you want to succeed in this great occupation. Do not give up!!! In the end, all will work out for you. Best of luck, and Merry Christmas.

[BCLepore]

Every department has it's own backgraound investigator. I can tell you that on many So California departments, this would result in a disqualification. Other departments might be more lenient. When you are being considered for hire, a background investigator will sift through your past. He will then make a recommendation to the fire chief.

The FC will decide on each individual case. No fire chief wants to hire someone who will bring discredit to his department. The longer the time since your last infraction, the better.

There are specific drugs that, no matter how long ago they were taken, will result in a disqualification.

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com