AboutCaptain Mike Grove Expertise Questions relating to but not limited to:
**Firefighter Entry Exams **Education Requirements **Physical Agility Testing **Interview Process **Scenario Testing
**Todays Emergency Medical Services **Incident Response
**Apparatus Function
**Station Life
**Scene Management
**National Incident Management System.
I possess the ability and willingness to assist those who may be or have family members seeking a future in the fire service or anyone seeking general information relating to promotional opportunities, general fire safety or any other similiar topics.
I have 30 years of full time experience with the city of Overland Park, KS fire department.
Experience 30 year veteran with the City of Overland Park Kansas Fire Department.
Overland Park,a large suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, is the second most populous city in Kansas with a population of 166,000
Overland Park ranks as one of the most progressive departments, as well as cities, in the United States. In 2006 CNN/Money Magazine ranked it 6th on it's "100 Best Cities to live in the United States". A recent 2007 article by National Geographic Magazine lists Overland Park as one of the top 50 US destinations.
Our department seems to grow daily and currently staffs approximately 160 paid fire and EMS personnel covering 69 square miles of territory with five stations. Our training facility is nothing less than state of the art with live computer controlled burn props on several floors of it's five story tower. A recently added Command and Control Center has added a new dimension to our regional wide response to large incidents.
I currently carry the rank of Captain/EMT. To this day I totally love my job and department as well as those individuals I work with. My family members include three brothers in the fire service as well as three in law enforcement. My father was a fire chief with a midwest fire department before he retired after 32 years of service. I am willing and able to answer questions on any fire/EMS related subject you may have. I can help with questions related to entry level testing as well as the physical agility and the interview process. I will do my best to answer any and all questions to your satisfaction in a timely manner.
Education/Credentials Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science Firefighter I/II/III Certification / Kansas University Fire Instructor I / Kansas University Emergency Medical Techician Certification Fire Officer I Certification / Kansas University HazardousMaterials Recognition and Identification Scene Safety Officer Certification / National Fire Academy Incident Command System / National Fire Academy Incident Management System / University of Missouri, Columbia National Incident Management System Certification / National Fire Academy Command and Control of Target Hazards / National Fire Academy
Question Dear Captain. Grove,
I have always wanted to be a professional in the Public Safety field. I have made a up my mind, and after talking it over with my wife of 6 years, I wish to become a Paramedic. I have only one real concern. I have a Class A Misdemeanor on my record back in 2005. I am hoping that this will not disbar me from employment or even a volunteer FD/Rescue Squad, but it does bother me. Any thoughts, or suggestions would greatly ease my mind. Thank you.
Answer Steve:
I field many questions such as yours. Many people make that one mistake and are truly regretful, me included. On the other hand there are quite a few bad apples out there. For that reason most all employeers do a background check on applicants. Typically they are looking for felonies or habitual crimes. One mistake will not disqualify you from succeeding. Now if you were charged with a felony you would be severely limited in the field of public service. With that said I believe you will be just fine. Be prepared to respond to any questions from assessors dealing with your past.
One other possibility is to speak with a lawyer to see if you could have your record expunged. Most lawyers will offer a free consultation. The laws differ from state to state on this but if you could check with a lawyer for free it would be worth your time.
Please let me know if I can be of any further help.
