Wisconsin OWI

[jobdreamer]

3 years ago I got the dreaded OWI. During this time I was in my Fire Science Associates degree. I have been nothing but discouraged throughout the remainder of my schooling regarding firefighting employment. Although I have been told over and over that it will not be possible to get a job, I have decided to battle the odds and am enrolled in paramedic school to enhance my credentials. This happened when I was 20 and now I am currently 23 with absolutely no violations since. I have awesome references with a 9 month internship at a paid fire department under my belt. If anyone has some encouragement or stories(especially from wisconsin), I would greatly appreciate it. I just don't want to give up on my dream that i've worked so hard for just because of a careless decision ive made. HELP!

[Surtur]

Your story is not all that uncommon. Everyone knows that OWI's are a really tough thing to get past when trying to get a job in the fire service. There's a 27-year-old volunteer firefighter at my station who got an OWI two years ago. He just finished a fire science degree in May and is planning to do paramedic school as well. Even if his record stays perfectly clean after that, he doesn't figure that he'll even be considered for a fire job for a at least five years since it happened. In the meantime, he's applying for jobs with different ambulance services in the area because those aren't as tough to get. It's the only way he figures that he can get paid while getting more experience. He has an uncle who's an officer on the La Crosse Fire Department who he thinks can help him get a job, but that remains to be seen.

[clark918]

Usually after about 3-5 years places start to look past it if you don't get anything else.

[Surtur]

Usually after about 3-5 years places start to look past it if you don't get anything else.

Three years? No way! I don't mean to be discouraging, but that's way too soon. No offense, Clark, but isn't the OWI you got prior to turning 18 what kept you from advancing in the process with LAFD?

[SPARKYMN]

Jobdreamer read the "LAFD applicants" forum page three for some insight.
Since that posting I have been hired, so just keep tring.

[JohnnyMo]

MOVE SOUTH to ILLINOIS!!!!!

[clark918]

Three years? No way! I don't mean to be discouraging, but that's way too soon. No offense, Clark, but isn't the OWI you got prior to turning 18 what kept you from advancing in the process with LAFD?

I didn't get passed through the Initial Panel with LAFD. Not sure the reason of that because they don't say much.

Most places I've seen lately say that you are fine after about 3-5 years. I know with DC I am.

[LightsAndSirens]

Jobdreamer read the "LAFD applicants" forum page three for some insight.
Since that posting I have been hired, so just keep tring.

Congratulations, Sparky! Where did you get hired, L.A. or somewhere in Minnesota?

[SPARKYMN]

Grand Forks, ND